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Gary Neville has revealed that he had taken down a Union Jack 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 patriotic.

A Social Media Post

In a online message published at the end of the week, the ex-player turned businessman said he believed that "people are being pitted against one another," 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}."

Different Neighborhood Views

He spoke about his journey on Littleton Road, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that part of his route. He then compared that with his trip home through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the Jewish populace were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

Flag Removal

Gary Neville, who has established a large property portfolio in Manchester since ending his playing career in 2011, said he had removed a union flag being shown at one of his construction sites.

"Funnily enough on one of my property projects last week there was a Union Jack hoisted and I had it removed immediately," he said.

On Patriotism

"Certain viewers may be thinking and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I have great affection for England, I adore Manchester and I love England," he stated.

The 50-year-old, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the present frequency and pondered the reason for this increase.

"The British flag displayed in a divisive way is improper and I consider myself a devoted backer of the nation, of Britain, of this country and will defend it internationally as a top-tier location for life," he stated.

An Appeal for Self-Assessment

"But I think we need to check ourselves," he continued, "check ourselves and start to think about restoring a sense of equilibrium because society is being dragged to extremes and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Broader Commentary

The Sky Sports commentator has often shared his views on political and social issues, such as stating people should "despise" the unfavorable employment situations for migrant workers in Qatar and NHS staff in the UK.

Unity in Football

In his online presentation, Neville discussed the variety within the sport, saying that he played with people from across the UK and from around the world. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he recalled.

On Brexit and Division

He said he attributed fault to Brexit for its "harmful impact" on the country, and said the "narrative" of division was becoming "profoundly risky."

"These foolish individuals that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in whatever form and abuse in any form, we need to cease elevating them," he emphasized.

"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and it needs to stop now and get back to a country of affection, of peace, of accord and unite as one once more."