Retired footballer The Sky Sports commentator explains he took down a British flag being 'used in a negative fashion'.

Gary Neville has revealed that he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his Manchester development sites because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he urged his followers to reconsider the definition to be loyal to one's country.

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," placing a significant portion of the responsibility for the division on "irate white men of a certain age … who know exactly what they’re doing|who are fully aware of their actions|who understand the consequences of their behavior}."

Contrasting Streets

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 contrasted this with his journey back through the neighboring street, a different main road, where the Jewish community were "visible outdoors, standing strong, unafraid."

Action Taken

Gary Neville, who has established a vast property empire in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a union flag being displayed on one of his building sites.

"Interestingly on one of my construction sites last week there was a British flag displayed and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.

On Patriotism

"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Gary, you lack patriotism.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I love my country, I am devoted to Manchester and I love England," he affirmed.

Neville, 50, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had not observed Union Jacks at the current rate and pondered the reason for this increase.

"The union jack flag used in a negative fashion is not right and I am a staunch supporter of England, of the United Kingdom, of the UK and will promote it globally as among the best nations to reside in," he stated.

An Appeal for Self-Assessment

"But I think we need to check ourselves," he added, "reflect and begin considering about returning to a balanced position because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Past Political Views

The television pundit has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on current affairs and social topics, such as stating people should "despise" the unfavorable employment situations for overseas laborers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.

Diversity in Sports

In his online presentation, Neville reflected on the variety within the sport, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from around the world. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he stated.

On Brexit and Division

He said he blamed Brexit for its "devastating effect" on the country, and said the "narrative" of discord was becoming "extremely dangerous."

"Such irresponsible people that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in any form and mistreatment in all its forms, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he emphasized.

"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and it needs to stop now and return to a nation of affection, of peace, of accord and become a team again."

Jessica Luna
Jessica Luna

Environmental scientist and sustainability advocate passionate about reducing carbon footprints.