- English players have often been seen with holes cut into the back of their socks
- Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were seen with this during Euro 2024
- Gary Neville has explained why he is ‘sceptical’ about the reasoning for it
Gary Neville is ‘sceptical’ about the reasoning given for why footballers cut holes into the back of their socks.
English footballers are often seen with holes in their socks, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham seen like this during Euro 2024.
It isn’t just a random new style that they are looking to pull off, as it’s believed to have benefits on the players.
The method is used to apparently ease pressure on their calves during games.
During a ‘Room 101’ version of the Overlap brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville brought up the craze to co-hosts Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott.
Gary Neville said he is ‘sceptical’ about why players cut holes in the back of their socks
England players including Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were seen with holey socks during Euro 2024
The method is used to apparently ease pressure on their calves during games, improve blood flow and prevent cramp
He said: ‘I am a little bit sceptical about that because in 2024 they have about 400 pairs of boots, they have everything made to measure.
I’m not having that Nike or a sponsor of a kit don’t make them a slightly bigger pair of socks.’
Ian Wright agreed and admitted that even his granddaughter has started copying players by doing so.
He said: ‘The bit at the back could be a bit more stretchy or something.
‘I saw my granddaughter, she had little holes in her socks and I said what are you doing? How are your calves getting restricted?’
When Scott said that was cute, Wright replied: ‘It’s not cute, she’s copying them. Her socks can’t even stay up her legs are so slim.’
It is understood that professionals reach for the scissors to reduce pressure on lower leg muscles, improve blood flow and prevent cramp.
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has blasted the likes of Bellingham and Gallagher for having holey socks.
Neville said he can’t believe companies don’t just make players bigger socks
Ian Wright said that his granddaughter has copied players by cutting holes in her socks
Mourinho shared a five-image post showing players with holes in their socks on his Instagram account
Back in February, the 66-year-old blasted Gallagher for cutting several large holes in the back of his socks during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
‘Enough of this nonsense,’ Keys posted. ‘There’s no need for it. The Spanish have outlawed it (although Bellingham gets away with it). It’s time we did.’
The trend appears to have first come to the attention back in 2018, when eagle-eyed viewers noticed Kyle Walker had cut several small holes in his socks.
Jose Mourinho has also criticised the growing trend, cryptically captioning a picture on Instagram of a player with a pair of holes in his socks: ‘Beautiful socks for the Beautiful Game… Approved by the football authorities’.
Gary Neville was speaking on the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet.
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