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Gary Neville explained that he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his property development locations because it was being "displayed in a harmful way," as he called on people to think deeply about what it signifies to be patriotic.

A Video Message

In a online message published at the end of the week, the sports pundit and developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," attributing much of the blame for the division 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}."

Different Neighborhood Views

He recounted traveling along a road in Salford, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that section of the road. He then contrasted this with his return drive through the adjacent avenue, the other thoroughfare, where the Jewish community were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

Flag Removal

The pundit, who has developed a vast property empire in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he had removed a union flag being flown on a development property.

"Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a union jack flag hoisted and I took it down instantly," he said.

On Patriotism

"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I represented my nation on 85 occasions, I am proud of my country, I love Manchester and I have deep love for England," he affirmed.

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 not right and I consider myself a devoted backer of England, of Britain, of this country and will champion it anywhere as among the best nations to reside in," he proclaimed.

An Appeal for Self-Assessment

"But I think we need to check ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about restoring a sense of equilibrium because we are being tugged in opposing directions and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Past Political Views

The television pundit has frequently voiced his opinions on political and social issues, including that people should “detest” the poor working conditions for overseas laborers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

Togetherness Through Sport

In his social media footage, Neville discussed the diversity of football, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from around the world. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he stated.

The Effects of Leaving the EU

He said he held Brexit responsible for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "narrative" of discord was becoming "highly perilous."

"All these idiots that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in every form and hostility in any manifestation, we must stop promoting them," he declared.

"We should cease directing attention to them and this must end immediately and get back to a country of affection, of tranquility, of accord and function as a cohesive unit again."