‘Like he was being strangled’ – Furious commentator accuses Gary Neville of ‘spoiling’ biggest moment of his 50-year career

It was one of the most iconic moments in Chelsea’s history.

And timeless moments come with an iconic piece of commentary that remains etched in the minds of supporters.

A late leveller from Fernando Torres after the Blues weathered an almighty storm was enough to secure Chelsea to their second Champions League final in 2012 at the expense of Barcelona.

The Camp Nou setting was ideal, the added time equaliser was the perfect moment and all that was missing was the exemplary script from the experienced and respected voice of Alan Parry.

Step forward Gary Neville.

The ex-Manchester United defender was on co-commentary duties at the Nou Camp that night for Sky Sports and clearly had other plans.

Later known as the ‘goalgasm’, Neville’s high-pitched whine as Torres rounded Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes before slotting into an empty net is forever remembered.

The bizarre and dragged out noise stunned viewers watching on Sky Sports. It was as big a point of discussion as Torres’ cool finish.

But what nobody remembers is Parry’s commentary.

Robbed of his big moment

“I’ve been commentating on radio and TV for probably 50-odd years,” Parry told The Times. “I’ve always thought, ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an iconic moment?’

“Like the great Kenneth Wolstenholme’s, ‘They think it’s all over. It is now.’ I would never be able to match that. That will always remain the best line of commentary ever.

“I got close once, it was the World Cup in 1990 and Roberto Baggio gets the ball and starts a run. He beats the first man and I went, ‘Oh, yes.’ And then he beats the second man and I go, ‘Oh, yes.’ And then he puts it in the net. ‘Oh yes.’

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“And some TV critic said it sounded like that scene from When Harry Met Sally. But I don’t want to be remembered for faking an orgasm. So I thought, well, maybe, with Torres, this was my moment.

“And Gary bloody Neville spoilt my moment of fame.”

Parry credits the goal as ‘one of those great football moments’ in a match that saw Chelsea reduced to ten men just before the interval with John Terry being dismissed.

Then, the great Lionel Messi missed a penalty which would’ve put Barcelona ahead in the tie to add to the drama.

Needless to say, Neville didn’t set out to ruin Parry’s big moment even though both sit on the either end of the Manchester United – Liverpool divide.

Breaking the ice

And Parry admits he cracked a cheeky joke with Neville prior to their first commentary together.

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“I said, ‘Gary, I’m Alan Parry. I know you hate Scousers. I’m not fond of the Mancs either. But we’ve got to work together, so shake hands.’ And then he goes and ruins my moment of fame. It’s like he was getting strangled,” Parry added.

“He knows his stuff, of course he does. But I think he forgets that he’s got the microphone in his hand. And if you’re going to express some emotion, just lift the microphone away from you. It was such an unnatural sound, wasn’t it?”

The 77-year-old is not officially retired, but he might also be.

In fact, Parry admits he has no idea when his last commentary gig was but is not closing the door on his life’s work just yet.

“Maybe there’ll be another one,” he said. “When asked whether he could join close friend Jim Rosenthal in being invited to commentate for the Crufts dog show, Parry cheekily gave one condition of a return.

“As long as I haven’t got Gary Neville beside me,” Parry said, smiling, “That’ll be fine.”