Gary Neville sent off: Valencia manager sent to the stands amid Europa League elimination against Athletic Bilbao
The former Manchester United full back protested heavily after Aritz Aduriz's decisive away goal
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Your support makes all the difference.Gary Neville was sent to the stands during Valencia’s away goals Europa League defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
The former Manchester United full-back protested to officials over a handball in the build-up to Aritz Aduriz’s decisive goal.
Valencia’s two goals with no response had given them the advantage on aggregate after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg.
Aduriz’s strike turned the tie on its head, however, and set up a tense finish at the Mestalla that the home side eventually lost.
Phil Neville took over from his brother but the La Liga side could not find a third goal after Santi Mina and Aderlan Santos’ earlier strikes.
Elimination from the Europa League will only increase the pressure on Neville.
Valencia, who currently sit 12th in the league table, lost their three games prior to tonight’s bittersweet victory, including a derby defeat to Levante.
The club are also believed to be unhappy about Neville’s coaching commitments with England, which he is expected to resume for the forthcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.