🔗 Share this article

Gary Neville has revealed that he ordered the removal of a Union Jack from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he encouraged his audience to reconsider the definition to be loyal to one's country.

A Video Message

In a video posted on Friday, the former footballer turned property developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," laying a great deal of the fault for the rift on "frustrated, middle-aged white males … who know exactly what they’re doing|who are fully aware of their actions|who understand the consequences of their behavior}."

Different Neighborhood Views

He recounted traveling along a road in Salford, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that section of the road. He then juxtaposed this against his return drive through the adjacent avenue, a different main road, where the Jewish community were "visible outdoors, standing strong, unafraid."

Flag Removal

Neville, who has built a significant real estate business in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he took down a Union Jack being displayed on one of his building sites.

"Funnily enough on one of my property projects last week there was a union jack flag hoisted and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.

On Patriotism

"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I love my country, I am devoted to Manchester and I love England," he stated.

The 50-year-old, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had never seen union flags at the existing level and asked why this was happening.

"The union jack flag employed in a harmful manner is not right and I consider myself a devoted backer of England, of the United Kingdom, of our country and will defend it internationally as a top-tier location for life," he stated.

Urging National Introspection

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because society is being dragged to extremes and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Past Political Views

The television pundit has often shared his views on political and social issues, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the poor working conditions for overseas laborers in Qatar and NHS staff in the UK.

Diversity in Sports

In his online presentation, Neville discussed the diversity of football, saying that he played with people from across the UK and from internationally. "We formed a wonderful team, completely unified," he noted.

The Effects of Leaving the EU

He said he attributed fault to Brexit for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of discord was becoming "highly perilous."

"Such irresponsible people that are propagating abusive language in every form and hostility in any manifestation, we must stop promoting them," he declared.

"It is imperative we no longer give them a platform and it needs to stop now and restore a land of love, of peace, of accord and unite as one once more."