GARY Neville is reportedly facing backlash from his own construction workers after instructing them to remove a Union Jack flag.
Neville, 50, accused “angry, middle-aged white men” of creating divisions in the country by “using the Union Flag in a negative manner” on Friday.
Gary Neville shared a video on his LinkedIn account on Friday.
However, workers at one of his sites have reportedly responded with anger at the pundit's actions.
The former Premier League star stated that he “instantly” ordered the removal of a flag that a contractor had raised at one of his sites.
“As I was driving home last night, I kept thinking that we’re turning against one another, and the division being fostered is truly appalling,” the Sky Sports pundit remarked in the video shared on his account.
“This division is primarily driven by angry middle-aged white men who are fully aware of their actions.”
“Interestingly, last week at one of my development sites, a Union Jack flag was put up, and I took it down immediately.”
However, construction workers who had displayed the flag at his St Michael’s office redevelopment site in Bootle Street, Manchester, were upset by his decision, according to the Mail.
An employee stated: “He was walking by when he noticed the flag flying on the fifth floor along with a Moldovan flag and another one.
“He contacted one of the workers over the radio and questioned why the Union Flag was displayed. He only mentioned the Union Flag, not the other two, and insisted it had to be removed.
“Of course, he is the boss, and we won't argue with him. But Union Flags are typically displayed on construction sites, a common practice throughout the country.
“Gary Neville played for England, yet he won’t allow us to display a flag to honor the country we live in. This has sparked a lot of resentment. This wasn’t a topic of discussion; we were simply instructed.”
Former captain Neville’s video from Friday places him at odds with Sir, who he partnered with for a political broadcast prior to the elections last year.
The Prime Minister declared that Labour will “never surrender” the country’s flag.
The worker added: “Some of us disagreed, but we were compelled to take them down. Some are questioning who Gary Neville believes he is to dictate which flags we can display in our workplace.
“Flags are being displayed across the country. They were unhappy about having to take them down, but they have to comply – they don’t want to jeopardize their jobs.”
Neville, who has been involved in property development since he was 21, questioned the patriotism associated with displaying Union Flags.
Ex-England defender Neville remarked: “While driving to Salford City, I noticed probably 50 to 60 Union Jack flags.
“Some might be thinking: ‘Gary, you’re not really patriotic.’
“I’ve represented my country 85 times; I love my country, I love Manchester, and I love this place. But I’ve been building in this city for 15 to 20 years, and no one has put up a Union Jack flag in that time, so why is it necessary to do so now?
“Clearly, it sends a message that there’s something amiss.
“The Union Jack flag used negatively is not appropriate, and I am a proud supporter of England, Great Britain, and our country, which I will champion anywhere in the world as one of the finest places to live.
“However, I believe we need to reflect on ourselves and aim for a neutral stance because we’re being pulled in opposing directions, which is unnecessary.”
This comes as members of the public have been putting up the St George’s Cross and the Union Flag in recent weeks.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated last month that England flags were taken down after two councils removed them.
Both Tower Hamlets and local authorities acted in August.
England flags displayed on lampposts on Genners Lane along Bartley Reservoir in Birmingham.
Counter-protestors attempting to remove flags in Faversham.
