Ex-footballer Gary Neville the pundit says he took down a Union Jack being 'employed in a divisive way'.

Gary Neville explained that he ordered the removal of a Union Jack from one of his Manchester development sites because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he called on people to question what it means to be loyal to one's country.

A Social Media Post

In a online message published at the end of the week, the former footballer turned property developer said he believed that "people are being pitted against one another," laying a great deal of the fault 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 recounted traveling along Littleton Road, and seeing "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that section of the road. He then juxtaposed this against his return drive through the adjacent avenue, a different main road, where the local Jewish residents were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

Flag Removal

The pundit, who has developed a large property portfolio in Manchester since retiring from football in 2011, said he had removed a British flag being displayed on one of his building sites.

"Interestingly on one of my property projects last week there was a Union Jack displayed 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 have great affection for England, I love Manchester and I have deep love for England," he stated.

Neville, 50, said that in the years he has been building in the city, he had not observed Union Jacks at the current rate and questioned why this was the case.

"The British flag employed in a harmful manner is unacceptable and I’m a proud supporter of England, of Britain, of the UK and will promote it globally as a top-tier location for life," he proclaimed.

An Appeal for Self-Assessment

"Yet, I feel it is crucial we reflect," he added, "reflect and begin considering about restoring a sense of equilibrium because society is being dragged to extremes and there is no need for such polarization."

Past Political Views

The Sky Sports commentator has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on societal and political matters, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the substandard labor conditions for migrant workers in Qatar and NHS staff in the UK.

Diversity in Sports

In his LinkedIn video, Neville reflected on the diversity of football, saying that he teammates hailed from all over Britain and from internationally. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he noted.

On Brexit and Division

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

"These foolish individuals that are propagating abusive language in whatever form and hostility in any manifestation, we must stop promoting them," he emphasized.

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