Gary Neville hit out at increasing division in society in comments posted on social media in the wake of the synagogue attack in Manchester. The former England footballer said he had also pulled down a Union flag put up at one of his property developments in the city. He said: “We’re all being turned on each other and the division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting, mainly created by angry, middle-aged white men who know exactly what they’re doing.”
Neville‘s post has certainly succeeded in dividing opinion, with Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly accusing the former Manchester United defender of being a “polarising” figure. Faith and Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh agreed with Neville that there are people trying to divide society at the moment. Neville’s post prompted calls for him to be sacked from his role as a pundit on Sky Sports.
So what do you think? Should Gary Neville be sacked after his furious rant? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here
Sir James said at a Tory party conference fringe event in Manchester: “He’s polarising. There’s very little Gary Neville says or writes that I agree with and again, this falls into that basket.
“He’s basically doing the things he’s accusing others of doing – he’s compartmentalising, segregating and then blaming and he’s criticising people that do that.”
But Ms Fahnbulleh agreed with Neville, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain she thought he was right and there are people trying to divide society at the moment.
Put to her that the attack was not carried out by an “angry, middle-aged white man”, Ms Fahbulleh said: “We are seeing a division, and it’s not concentrated in any particular group.
“We’re seeing it across all communities, but the vast majority of people are decent, tolerant, welcoming people that do not want this in their name.
“And the thing that we have to do as a Government is absolutely target those that are deliberately stoking division, tension and hatred, and root that out. And at the same time, we’ve got to do the job of bridging our communities.”