Retired footballer Gary Neville says he removed a Union Jack being 'employed in a divisive way'.
Gary Neville has revealed that he personally removed a union flag from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he urged his followers to question what it means to be a proud citizen.
An Online Statement
In a social media video shared Friday, the sports pundit and developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," attributing much of the blame for the division 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 described driving down Littleton Road, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that part of his route. He then contrasted this with his journey back through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the Jewish populace were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."
A Decisive Move
Gary Neville, who has established a significant real estate business in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a union flag being flown on a development property.
"Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a union jack flag displayed and I took it down instantly," he said.
On Patriotism
"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Gary, you lack patriotism.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I am proud of my country, I am devoted to Manchester and I cherish England," he stated.
The 50-year-old, said that in the years he has been building in the city, he had never seen union flags at the existing level and asked why this was happening.
"The British flag displayed in a divisive way is unacceptable and I am a staunch supporter of England, of the United Kingdom, of our country and will champion it anywhere as one of the greatest places to live," he stated.
A Call for Reflection
"But I think we need to check ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."
Broader Commentary
The sports analyst has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on political and social issues, such as stating people should "despise" the poor working conditions for overseas laborers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.
Diversity in Sports
In his LinkedIn video, Neville discussed the variety within the sport, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from across the globe. "We formed a wonderful team, completely unified," he noted.
On Brexit and Division
He said he blamed Brexit for its "devastating effect" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of separation was becoming "highly perilous."
"All these idiots that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in whatever form and hostility in any manifestation, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he declared.
"We should cease directing attention to them and the situation requires an instant halt and restore a land of love, of tranquility, of accord and unite as one once more."
