Neville referred to UK attorney general over Giggs social media post

Gary Neville is to be referred to the UK's attorney general over a social media post during the domestic violence trial of his friend and former teammate Ryan Giggs.

Mr Giggs' trial was delayed while Judge Hilary Manley and prosecution and defence lawyers discussed the post on Mr Neville's Instagram account.

Judge Manley continued with the trial but brought the matter up again following the jury failing to reach verdicts and being discharged yesterday.

She said she had referred the issue to the UK government's top lawyer, the attorney general.

Judge Manley said: "One other relevant matter I should deal with, on Wednesday the 10th of August, day three, the prosecution brought to my attention, a social media post.

"Both the prosecution and defence agreed with me, in the absence of any comment from the jury, and given my clear direction, the trial could properly continue.

"However, given the author is a person with a high public profile and his social media account has 1.5 million followers, it could be seen to be an attempt to influence ongoing criminal proceedings and could be contempt of court.

"Accordingly, I am referring the matter to the office of the attorney general for the consideration of a potential prosecution."

Today, a spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, said: "Contempt of court is a serious matter and the attorney general will review any allegations brought to her carefully.

"We have not yet received a referral."

Mr Neville's representatives have been contacted for comment.

His agent has reportedly said the post referred not to the Mr Giggs' trial but to how the Glazer family are running Manchester United.

During the trial, proceedings were halted when Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, holding a mobile phone, said