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Gary Neville has revealed that he ordered the removal of a British flag from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he encouraged his audience to think deeply about what it signifies to be loyal to one's country.

A Video Message

In a social media video shared Friday, the sports pundit and developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," placing a significant portion of the responsibility 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}."

Different Neighborhood Views

He recounted traveling along Littleton Road, and seeing "an estimated fifty to sixty Union Jacks" on that stretch of his journey. He then compared that with his return drive through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the Jewish populace were "present in public, resolute, without fear or hiding."

Action Taken

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

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

On Patriotism

"Certain viewers may be thinking and thinking: 'Gary, you lack patriotism.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I love my country, I love Manchester and I cherish England," he affirmed.

Gary Neville, now 50, 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 used in a negative fashion is not right and I am a staunch supporter of England, of the United Kingdom, of our country and will promote it globally as one of the greatest places to live," he stated.

A Call for Reflection

"But I think we need to check ourselves," he added, "check ourselves and start to think 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 frequently voiced his opinions on political and social issues, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the poor working conditions for overseas laborers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

Diversity in Sports

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 internationally. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he recalled.

The Effects of Leaving the EU

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

"These foolish individuals that are propagating abusive language in every form and hostility in any manifestation, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he declared.

"It is imperative we no longer give them a platform and it needs to stop now and restore a land of affection, of peace, of accord and function as a cohesive unit again."