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The former Manchester United star disclosed that he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his property development locations because it was being "used in a negative fashion," as he encouraged his audience to reconsider the definition to be a proud citizen.

An Online Statement

In a social media video shared Friday, the ex-player turned businessman said he believed that "society is being turned against itself," attributing much of the blame for the rift 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 recounted traveling along Littleton Road, and seeing "an estimated fifty to sixty Union Jacks" on that part of his route. He then juxtaposed this against his trip home through the adjacent avenue, a different main road, where the Jewish community were "visible outdoors, standing strong, unafraid."

Flag Removal

Neville, who has built a vast property empire in Manchester since ending his playing career in 2011, said he took down a union flag being displayed on one of his building sites.

"Funnily enough on one of my construction sites last week there was a Union Jack displayed and I had it removed immediately," he said.

Defining National Pride

"Certain viewers may be thinking and thinking: 'Neville, you don't love your country.' I’ve played for my country 85 times, I am proud of my country, I am devoted to Manchester and I have deep love for England," he stated.

Neville, 50, said that in the time he has been developing in the city, he had not witnessed British flags at the present frequency and asked why this was happening.

"The British flag employed in a harmful manner is not right and I am a staunch supporter of the nation, of Britain, of the UK and will promote it globally as one of the greatest places to live," he proclaimed.

A Call for Reflection

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

Previous Statements

The sports analyst has often shared his views on societal and political matters, for instance urging the public to "abhor" the poor working conditions for migrant workers in Qatar and health service workers in the United Kingdom.

Diversity in Sports

In his LinkedIn video, Neville commented on the variety within the sport, saying that he played with people from across the UK and from internationally. "It was a magnificent squad, totally together," he noted.

The Effects of Leaving the EU

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

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

"We must stop elevating our voices towards them and it needs to stop now and get back to a country of affection, of tranquility, of harmony and function as a cohesive unit again."