Former footballer The Sky Sports commentator says he ordered the removal of a British flag 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 think deeply about what it signifies to be loyal to one's country.

A Video Message

In a video posted on Friday, the ex-player turned businessman said he believed that "society is being turned against itself," attributing much of the blame for the divide 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 "probably 50-60 union jack flags" on that section of the road. He then compared that with his journey back through the adjacent avenue, Bury New Road, where the local Jewish residents were "out in the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear."

A Decisive Move

Neville, who has built a large property portfolio in Manchester since ending his playing career in 2011, said he ordered the removal of a union flag being flown on a development property.

"Curiously on one of my property projects last week there was a British flag displayed and I ordered its prompt removal," he said.

Defining National Pride

"Certain viewers may be thinking and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I earned 85 caps for England, I love my country, I adore Manchester and I love England," he declared.

The 50-year-old, said that in the years he has been building in the city, he had not observed Union Jacks at the current rate and pondered the reason for this increase.

"The Union Jack used in a negative fashion is not right and I’m a proud supporter of England, of the United Kingdom, of our country and will defend it internationally as one of the greatest places to live," he asserted.

Urging National Introspection

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he continued, "assess our actions and contemplate about returning to a balanced position because we’re being pulled right and left and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Past Political Views

The television pundit has frequently voiced his opinions on societal and political matters, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the poor working conditions for foreign workers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

Togetherness Through Sport

In his online presentation, Neville reflected on the variety within the sport, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from around the world. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he stated.

Post-Brexit Impact

He said he attributed fault to Brexit for its "devastating effect" on the country, and said the "narrative" of separation was becoming "highly perilous."

"These foolish individuals that are out there spreading hate speech in whatever form and hostility in any manifestation, we need to cease elevating them," he declared.

"We should cease directing attention to them and the situation requires an instant halt and restore a land of love, of tranquility, of harmony and function as a cohesive unit again."