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The former Manchester United star disclosed that he had taken down a British flag from one of his Manchester development sites because it was being "displayed in a harmful way," as he called on people to question what it means to be loyal to one's country.

A Video Message

In a online message published at the end of the week, the sports pundit and developer said he believed that "people are being pitted against one another," attributing much of the blame for the division 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 "an estimated fifty to sixty Union Jacks" on that part of his route. He then contrasted this with his trip home through the neighboring street, Bury New Road, where the local Jewish residents 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 ordered the removal of a union flag being displayed on one of his building sites.

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

On Patriotism

"A portion of the audience could believe and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I love my country, I adore Manchester and I have deep love for England," he affirmed.

The 50-year-old, said that in the time he has been developing 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 unacceptable and I’m a proud supporter of the nation, of the United Kingdom, of the UK and will champion it anywhere as among the best nations to reside in," he proclaimed.

Urging National Introspection

"Yet, I feel it is crucial we reflect," he continued, "check ourselves and start to think about restoring a sense of equilibrium because we are being tugged in opposing directions and this division is entirely unnecessary."

Previous Statements

The Sky Sports commentator has repeatedly expressed his thoughts on political and social issues, such as stating people should "despise" the poor working conditions for migrant workers in Qatar and NHS staff in the UK.

Unity in Football

In his LinkedIn video, Neville discussed the diversity of football, 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 recalled.

Post-Brexit Impact

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

"All these idiots that are disseminating offensive rhetoric in any form and abuse in any form, we need to cease elevating them," he declared.

"We should cease directing attention to them and this must end immediately and return to a nation of love, of tranquility, of accord and unite as one once more."