Former footballer Gary Neville explains he removed a Union Jack being 'employed in a divisive way'.
The former Manchester United star disclosed that he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he urged his followers to reconsider the definition to be a proud citizen.
A Video Message
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," attributing much of the blame 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 street in the neighborhood, and seeing "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that stretch of his journey. He then contrasted this with his trip home through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the Jewish community were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."
Action Taken
Gary Neville, who has established a vast property empire in Manchester since retiring from football in 2011, said he took down a British flag being flown on a development property.
"Interestingly on one of my construction sites last week there was a British flag displayed and I took it down instantly," he said.
On Patriotism
"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I earned 85 caps for England, I am proud of my country, I adore Manchester and I love England," he stated.
Gary Neville, now 50, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the current rate and questioned why this was the case.
"The British flag displayed in a divisive way is not right and I consider myself a devoted backer of the nation, of the United Kingdom, of our country and will defend it internationally as one of the greatest places to live," he proclaimed.
A Call for Reflection
"But I think we need to check ourselves," he added, "check ourselves and start to think about returning to a balanced position because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."
Previous Statements
The Sky Sports commentator has frequently voiced his opinions on current affairs and social topics, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the poor working conditions for migrant workers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.
Togetherness Through Sport
In his social media footage, Neville discussed the multicultural nature of soccer, saying that he played with people from across the UK and from around the world. "We formed a wonderful team, completely unified," he noted.
On Brexit and Division
He said he blamed Brexit for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of division was becoming "profoundly risky."
"These foolish individuals that are out there spreading hate speech in whatever form and mistreatment in all its forms, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he declared.
"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and the situation requires an instant halt and return to a nation of affection, of peace, of harmony and function as a cohesive unit again."
