Gary Neville predicts Newcastle owners next steps after Roman Abramovich and Chelsea sanctions

Gary Neville believes Newcastle United's owners will be carrying out a risk assessment 'as we speak' in light of the sanctions placed upon Roman Abramovich and Chelsea. The Blues owner was hit with a raft of government-enforced sanctions last week due to his 'close relationship' with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich has put the club on the market with offers of around £3bn currently being sought, with the Russian oligarch's position becoming untenable following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have raised questions over Chelsea's immediate future, with restrictions put in place limiting their spending, their capacity to generate revenue as well as buy or sell players.

Newcastle's defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon generated debate among certain commentators and fans, given the criticisms levelled at Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Neville described recent events as a 'wake-up call' to himself and the sport, and described his previous stance on sportswashing accusations as wrong.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, the former Manchester United defender believes ongoing events in Ukraine could lead to precedents being set in the Premier League which could cause concern to those in charge at St James' Park. Neville also shared the same view as fellow pundit Jamie Carragher that Eddie Howe should answer 'difficult' questions on Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a massive wake-up call this last few weeks, it's a massive wake-up call for me on my historical position on shall we say new money coming in to English football.

"It has improved the competitive landscape enormously. I'm a fan of the traditional elite, as is Jamie, Arsenal, Manchester United,