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Gary Neville explained that he had taken down a union flag from one of his Manchester development sites because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he called on people to question what it means to be loyal to one's country.

An Online Statement

In a video posted on Friday, the former footballer turned property developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," attributing much of the blame for the divide 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 recounted traveling along a street in the neighborhood, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that stretch of his journey. He then juxtaposed this against his trip home through the parallel road, a different main road, where the Jewish community were "visible outdoors, standing strong, unafraid."

Flag Removal

Gary Neville, who has established a significant real estate business in Manchester since retiring from football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a British flag being flown on a development property.

"Interestingly on one of my development sites last week there was a British flag displayed and I had it removed immediately," he said.

Defining National Pride

"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Gary, you lack patriotism.' I represented my nation on 85 occasions, I am proud of my country, I am devoted to Manchester and I cherish England," he affirmed.

Gary Neville, now 50, said that in the years he has been building in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the current rate and asked why this was happening.

"The Union Jack employed in a harmful manner is improper and I am a staunch supporter of the nation, of Great Britain, of our country and will promote it globally as one of the greatest places to live," he stated.

Urging National Introspection

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he went on, "check ourselves and start to think about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Previous Statements

The sports analyst has often shared his views on current affairs and social topics, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the unfavorable employment situations for migrant workers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.

Togetherness Through Sport

In his social media footage, Neville discussed the variety within the sport, saying that he teammates hailed from all over Britain and from around the world. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he noted.

Post-Brexit Impact

He said he held Brexit responsible for its "harmful impact" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of division was becoming "profoundly risky."

"Such irresponsible people that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in every form and mistreatment in all its forms, we need to cease elevating them," he asserted.

"It is imperative we no longer give them a platform and it needs to stop now and return to a nation of affection, of tranquility, of harmony and become a team again."