Former footballer The Sky Sports commentator explains he ordered the removal of a British flag being 'displayed in a harmful manner'.

The former Manchester United star disclosed that he had taken down a union flag from one of his Manchester development sites because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he called on people to think deeply about what it signifies to be patriotic.

A Video Message

In a video posted on Friday, the former footballer turned property developer said he believed that "we’re all being turned on each other," laying a great deal of the fault 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}."

A Tale of Two Roads

He spoke about his journey on a street in the neighborhood, and seeing "an estimated fifty to sixty Union Jacks" on that part of his route. He then juxtaposed this against his return drive through the adjacent avenue, the other thoroughfare, where the local Jewish residents were "present in public, resolute, without fear or hiding."

Action Taken

The pundit, who has developed a large property portfolio in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a Union Jack being shown at one of his construction sites.

"Funnily enough on one of my construction sites last week there was a union jack flag put up and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.

Defining National Pride

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

Neville, 50, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the current rate and pondered the reason for this increase.

"The Union Jack employed in a harmful manner is unacceptable and I am a staunch supporter of the nation, of Great Britain, of this country and will promote it globally as a top-tier location for life," he asserted.

Urging National Introspection

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about restoring a sense of equilibrium because society is being dragged to extremes and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Previous Statements

The television pundit has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on current affairs and social topics, such as stating people should "despise" the unfavorable employment situations for overseas laborers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.

Unity in Football

In his LinkedIn video, Neville reflected on the diversity of football, saying that he played with people from across the UK and from across the globe. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he recalled.

On Brexit and Division

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

"Such irresponsible people that are out there spreading hate speech in whatever form and abuse in any form, we must stop promoting them," he declared.

"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and the situation requires an instant halt and get back to a country of affection, of tranquility, of accord and function as a cohesive unit again."