Former footballer Gary Neville the pundit reveals he took down a British flag being 'used in a divisive way'.
The former Manchester United star disclosed that he ordered the removal of a Union Jack from one of his property development locations because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he called on people to question what it means to be loyal to one's country.
A Social Media Post
In a video posted on Friday, the sports pundit and developer said he believed that "society is being turned against itself," laying a great deal of the fault for the divide on "angry, middle-aged white men … who know exactly what they’re doing|who are fully aware of their actions|who understand the consequences of their behavior}."
A Tale of Two Roads
He spoke about his journey on a road in Salford, and seeing "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that part of his route. He then juxtaposed this against his trip home through the parallel road, a different main road, where the local Jewish residents were "present in public, resolute, without fear or hiding."
Action Taken
Gary Neville, who has established a vast property empire in Manchester since ending his playing career in 2011, said he took down a union flag being shown at one of his construction sites.
"Interestingly on one of my construction sites last week there was a Union Jack hoisted and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.
Thoughts on Loving One's Country
"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I am proud of my country, I love Manchester and I cherish England," he stated.
Gary Neville, now 50, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had never seen union flags at the existing level and questioned why this was the case.
"The British flag displayed in a divisive way is improper and I’m a proud supporter of the nation, of the United Kingdom, of the UK and will defend it internationally as a top-tier location for life," he proclaimed.
A Call for Reflection
"Yet, I feel it is crucial we reflect," he went on, "reflect and begin considering about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we’re being pulled right and left and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."
Broader Commentary
The television pundit has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on current affairs and social topics, such as stating people should "despise" the substandard labor conditions for overseas laborers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.
Unity in Football
In his LinkedIn video, Neville discussed the diversity of football, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from internationally. "We formed a wonderful team, completely unified," he stated.
On Brexit and Division
He said he attributed fault to Brexit for its "devastating effect" on the country, and said the "messaging" of division was becoming "profoundly risky."
"Such irresponsible people that are out there spreading hate speech in any form and hostility in any manifestation, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he asserted.
"We should cease directing attention to them and this must end immediately and return to a nation of love, of tranquility, of accord and become a team again."