“We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big a problem mental health is,” Sharpley wrote on Instagram.

“So, in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money and that’s OK to mess and toy with their mental health and that it’s just part of the job?

“We all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and fairly. The last 48 hours have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.

“To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster and to be toyed with until the final minute.

“For that to be torn away from you at the last second with absolutely no explanation – going from everything to radio silence, no phone call, no communication, and be left broken-hearted with nothing but confusion – has hurt more than I can say.”

In a separate social media post, McNeil echoed Sharpley’s comments about the lack of communication and expressed his commitment to Everton.

“Whilst even now I’m still left in the dark… what I do know, and have been supported with, I am an Everton player. I will use this as motivation,” he wrote.

McNeil, who joined Everton from Burnley in July 2022, has not played regularly since David Moyes succeeded Sean Dyche, starting just seven of his 14 league appearances this season.