Gary Neville Critiques Negative Use of British Flags in Salford
Earlier this week, former England and Manchester United footballer Gary Neville shared a video on social media, criticizing what he described as the "negative" use of the British flag.
In recent months, residents in several communities, including Salford—where Neville is a part-owner of the local football club—have been displaying Union Jack and St George's Cross flags from lampposts.
Neville noted that he observed approximately 50 to 60 flags while driving to the club's stadium along Littleton Road. He expressed his concerns by stating that he had ordered the removal of a flag from a building site he has invested in, believing that the display of these flags is intended to foster division amidst ongoing debates about immigration.
"I love my country, I love Manchester, I love England," Neville remarked. "But I’ve been building in this city for 15-20 years, and nobody has put a Union Jack flag up, so why do you need to put one up now?"
Neville further emphasized that the flags send a message of discontent. "I just kept thinking as I was driving home that we’re all being turned on each other. The division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting, mainly by angry, middle-aged white men who know exactly what they’re doing," he said.
His comments were met with criticism, including from Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch, who called them "disgraceful." Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, labeled Neville as "detached from reality" and expressed surprise that he continues to work as a pundit for Sky Sports.
On Wednesday evening, protesters displayed a banner labeling Neville as "traitor scum" outside Hotel Football, a business he co-owns adjacent to Old Trafford.
To gauge local sentiment regarding Neville's remarks and the nature of modern British patriotism, BBC Sport spoke to residents of Salford.
Along Littleton Road, which leads to Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium, numerous Union Jacks have been zip-tied to lampposts. Andy, 43, a local resident, stated, "It’s representing the United Kingdom, isn’t it? Neville has a point about negative uses, but we should be able to display the flag when we want."
The road is lined with flags, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk its length, with another 30 minutes to reach Salford Shopping Centre.
Adrian, a 68-year-old former NHS worker, remarked, "I don’t mind the flags being put up, but they should represent peaceful intentions and support for the United Kingdom, without any malicious intent towards other individuals or groups."
Some residents expressed concern that the increased visibility of flags amid rising anti-immigration sentiment might imply ulterior motives. Mark, 43, a Manchester City fan, said, "Some people genuinely want to show national pride, but there are also those with more nefarious reasons. I’m proud to be British, but I wouldn’t fly a flag right now due to its negative connotation. It seems to have been hijacked by larger issues at play."
Others, however, are resolute in their display of national identity. Ken, 75, stated, "I’ve got one in my garden, and I’m not taking it down for anybody. People have knocked on my door asking me to remove it, but I won’t."
Residents emphasized the importance of context when it comes to flying the flag. Janet, 75, said, "It’s our right to display our flag and be proud of it—why should we feel ashamed? However, some individuals are hijacking it for their own agendas at marches and rallies, using it for the wrong reasons."
For newcomers to the area, the flags can convey an unwelcome message. Norcady, 21, who recently moved from Gibraltar, expressed, "The Union Jack is about national pride—every country has the right to be patriotic. However, certain groups are politicizing it, which is inappropriate. I’ve received unpleasant looks from some flag-waving residents, which is unfortunate for those who genuinely love their country but feel they cannot display their pride due to others’ misuse of the flag."
Discussions about the flag often revolve around whether it is intended to intimidate those from different backgrounds. Youssouf, 39, who was born in Somalia and later moved to the UK, stated, "For me, I see no problem with the flag. It represents the country, and it’s beautiful. It’s up to the individual displaying it to determine their intentions."
Debates about the meaning and usage of the British flag are not new. Nick Groom, author of The Union Jack: The Story of the British Flag , noted, "Since the first flying of the Union Flag in 1606, its meaning has been contested. There are no laws governing its display on land, so individuals can use it as they wish. The flag has multiple contexts that shape its interpretation. While attempts to politicize it exist, it should remain a flag of the people. Events like the 2012 Olympics demonstrate how the flag can unite communities."
Every Salford resident interviewed by the BBC agreed that intention is crucial; those displaying the Union Flag out of pride were encouraged, while those with divisive motives faced criticism. Most expressed a desire for their community to coexist harmoniously, regardless of flag displays.