Ex-footballer Gary Neville explains he took down a Union Jack being 'displayed in a negative fashion'.

Gary Neville explained that he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his construction sites in Manchester because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he encouraged his audience to reconsider the definition to be patriotic.

A Social Media Post

In a social media video shared Friday, the ex-player turned businessman said he believed that "society is being turned against itself," 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}."

A Tale of Two Roads

He described driving down a street in the neighborhood, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that section of the road. He then compared that with his journey back through the neighboring street, the other thoroughfare, where the Jewish community were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

Action Taken

Gary Neville, who has established a vast property empire in Manchester since leaving professional football in 2011, said he took down a Union Jack being displayed on one of his building sites.

"Curiously on one of my construction sites last week there was a British flag displayed and I had it removed immediately," he said.

On Patriotism

"Some people might be watching this and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I earned 85 caps for England, I am proud of my country, I adore Manchester and I have deep love for England," he stated.

The 50-year-old, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the current rate and questioned why this was the case.

"The British flag displayed in a divisive way is not right and I consider myself a devoted backer of the nation, of Great Britain, of the UK and will promote it globally as a top-tier location for life," he proclaimed.

A Call for Reflection

"Yet, I feel it is crucial we reflect," he added, "assess our actions and contemplate about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we’re being pulled right and left and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Past Political Views

The television pundit has frequently voiced his opinions on societal and political matters, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the substandard labor conditions for foreign workers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.

Unity in Football

In his online presentation, Neville commented on the variety within the sport, saying that he teammates hailed from all over Britain and from internationally. "We formed a wonderful team, completely unified," he noted.

Post-Brexit Impact

He said he blamed Brexit for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "narrative" of discord was becoming "extremely dangerous."

"Such irresponsible people that are out there spreading hate speech in any form and hostility in any manifestation, we must stop promoting them," he asserted.

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