🔗 Share this article

Gary Neville explained that he ordered the removal of a Union Jack from one of his property development locations because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he encouraged his audience to think deeply about what it signifies to be a proud citizen.

A Social Media Post

In a online message published at the end of the week, the former footballer turned property developer said he believed that "society is being turned against itself," 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}."

A Tale of Two Roads

He spoke about his journey on a street in the neighborhood, and seeing "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that part of his route. He then juxtaposed this against his return drive through the neighboring street, a different main road, where the local Jewish residents were "present in public, resolute, without fear or hiding."

Flag Removal

Gary Neville, who has established a significant real estate business 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 development sites last week there was a Union Jack hoisted and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.

Defining National Pride

"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I earned 85 caps for England, I have great affection for England, I adore Manchester and I cherish England," he affirmed.

The 50-year-old, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had not observed Union Jacks 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 Britain, of the UK and will defend it internationally as a top-tier location for life," he stated.

Urging National Introspection

"But I think we need to check ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about returning to a balanced position because we are being tugged in opposing directions and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Previous Statements

The Sky Sports commentator has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on societal and political matters, such as stating people should "despise" the unfavorable employment situations for foreign workers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

Diversity in Sports

In his social media footage, Neville discussed the variety within the sport, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from internationally. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he stated.

On Brexit and Division

He said he held Brexit responsible for its "harmful impact" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of separation was becoming "extremely dangerous."

"All these idiots that are out there spreading hate speech in every form and hostility in any manifestation, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he declared.

"We should cease directing attention to them and it needs to stop now and return to a nation of love, of peace, of harmony and function as a cohesive unit again."