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The former Manchester United star disclosed 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 think deeply about what it signifies to be patriotic.

An Online Statement

In a video posted on 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 divide on "frustrated, middle-aged white males … 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 Littleton Road, and seeing "dozens of British flags" on that stretch of his journey. He then compared that with his journey back through the adjacent avenue, a different main road, where the Jewish populace were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

Action Taken

The pundit, who has developed a significant real estate business in Manchester since retiring from football in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a union flag being shown at one of his construction sites.

"Curiously on one of my property projects last week there was a British flag put up and I had it removed immediately," he said.

Defining National Pride

"Certain viewers may be thinking and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I represented my nation on 85 occasions, I have great affection for England, I adore Manchester and I cherish England," he declared.

Neville, 50, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had never seen union flags at the existing level and pondered the reason for this increase.

"The union jack flag used in a negative fashion is unacceptable and I consider myself a devoted backer of England, of the United Kingdom, of this country and will defend it internationally as among the best nations to reside in," he asserted.

An Appeal for Self-Assessment

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he added, "reflect and begin considering about bringing ourselves back to a neutral point because we are being tugged in opposing directions and there is no need for such polarization."

Broader Commentary

The television pundit has often shared his views on societal and political matters, including that people should “detest” the unfavorable employment situations for overseas laborers in Qatar and National Health Service employees in Britain.

Unity in Football

In his LinkedIn video, Neville commented on the multicultural nature of soccer, saying that he teammates hailed from all over Britain and from internationally. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he stated.

On Brexit and Division

He said he attributed fault to Brexit for its "damaging consequences" on the country, and said the "rhetoric" of discord was becoming "profoundly risky."

"These foolish individuals that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in whatever form and abuse in any form, we need to cease elevating them," he emphasized.

"We should cease directing attention to them and the situation requires an instant halt and restore a land of affection, of peace, of harmony and become a team again."