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The former Manchester United star disclosed that he had taken down a union flag from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he encouraged his audience to think deeply about what it signifies to be patriotic.

An Online Statement

In a online message published at the end of the week, the ex-player turned businessman 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 recounted traveling along Littleton Road, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that part of his route. He then juxtaposed this against his journey back through the adjacent avenue, a different main road, where the Jewish populace were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

A Decisive Move

Gary Neville, who has established a large property portfolio in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he took down a union flag being shown at one of his construction sites.

"Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a Union Jack put up and I had it removed immediately," he said.

Defining National Pride

"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I represented my nation on 85 occasions, I love my country, I love Manchester and I cherish England," he stated.

Gary Neville, now 50, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had not observed Union Jacks at the current rate and asked why this was happening.

"The union jack flag used in a negative fashion is unacceptable and I am a staunch supporter of the nation, of Britain, 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, "reflect and begin considering about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Broader Commentary

The sports analyst has often shared his views on political and social issues, including that people should “detest” the substandard labor conditions for foreign workers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

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. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he stated.

Post-Brexit Impact

He said he blamed Brexit for its "devastating effect" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of division was becoming "highly perilous."

"These foolish individuals that are out there spreading hate speech in every form and hostility in any manifestation, we must stop promoting them," he declared.

"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and this must end immediately and get back to a country of affection, of peace, of accord and function as a cohesive unit again."