Ex-footballer Gary Neville explains he took down a Union Jack being 'employed in a negative fashion'.
Gary Neville has revealed that he personally removed a British flag from one of his property development locations because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he encouraged his audience to question what it means to be a proud citizen.
A Video Message
In a video posted on Friday, the ex-player turned businessman said he believed that "people are being pitted against one another," laying a great deal of the fault for the rift 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 recounted traveling along a street in the neighborhood, and seeing "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that section of the road. He then compared that with his trip home through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the local Jewish residents were "present in public, resolute, without fear or hiding."
A Decisive Move
The pundit, who has developed a vast property empire in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a union flag being shown at one of his construction sites.
"Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a British flag put up and I took it down instantly," he said.
On Patriotism
"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I earned 85 caps for England, I am proud of my country, I love Manchester and I love England," he declared.
Gary Neville, now 50, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had never seen union flags at the present frequency and asked why this was happening.
"The Union Jack displayed in a divisive way is improper and I am a staunch supporter of the nation, of the United Kingdom, of the UK and will champion it anywhere as a top-tier location for life," he asserted.
Urging National Introspection
"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he went on, "assess our actions and contemplate about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we are being tugged in opposing directions and there is no need for such polarization."
Previous Statements
The television pundit has often shared his views on political and social issues, such as stating people should "despise" 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 commented on the diversity of football, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from internationally. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he recalled.
Post-Brexit Impact
He said he held Brexit responsible for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of separation was becoming "profoundly risky."
"These foolish individuals that are out there spreading hate speech in every form and mistreatment in all its forms, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he asserted.
"It is imperative we no longer give them a platform and this must end immediately and get back to a country of affection, of tranquility, of harmony and unite as one once more."