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Gary Neville explained that he personally removed a British flag from one of his property development locations because it was being "employed in a divisive manner," as he called on people to question what it means to be a proud citizen.

A Video Message

In a social media video shared 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 division 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}."

Contrasting Streets

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 contrasted this with his trip home through the adjacent avenue, the other thoroughfare, where the Jewish populace were "visible outdoors, standing strong, unafraid."

Action Taken

The pundit, who has developed a significant real estate business in Manchester since ending his playing career in 2011, said he took down a union flag being flown on a development property.

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

On Patriotism

"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Gary you’re not really patriotic.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I love my country, I love Manchester and I love England," he affirmed.

Neville, 50, said that in the period he has worked in the city, he had never seen union flags at the current rate and asked why this was happening.

"The union jack flag employed in a harmful manner is not right and I consider myself a devoted backer of England, of the United Kingdom, of this country and will champion it anywhere as a top-tier location for life," he asserted.

Urging National Introspection

"However, I believe we must examine ourselves," he added, "check ourselves and start to think about restoring a sense of equilibrium because we are being tugged in opposing directions and we don’t need to be pulled right and left at all."

Past Political Views

The sports analyst has often shared his views 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.

Unity in Football

In his social media footage, Neville reflected on the diversity of football, saying that he shared the pitch with individuals from throughout the nation and from internationally. "We were a beautiful team, united as one," he noted.

The Effects of Leaving the EU

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

"All these idiots that are propagating abusive language in any form and mistreatment in all its forms, it is vital we no longer amplify them," he declared.

"It is imperative we no longer give them a platform and it needs to stop now and restore a land of love, of peace, of accord and function as a cohesive unit again."