One of the contractors who were forced to remove a Union Jack flag from Gary Neville’s construction site has finally spoken out about the incident. The former Manchester United defender, now one of football’s highest-paid pundits, is facing widespread criticism for going on a political rant and singling out “angry middle-aged white men.”
Sky Sports has apparently decided not to discipline the commentator, despite pleas from people such as Simon Jordan. However, construction workers who had been flying the flag at his St Michael’s office redevelopment site in Bootle Street, Manchester, were furious by his action, with one worker now publicly criticising him.
Construction Worker Slams Neville Over Union Jack Flag Removal
One worker accused Neville, who has become a property developer since retiring from football, of being unpatriotic and limiting free speech. He claimed that when the former England footballer noticed the Union Flag as he passed past, he immediately rushed to the gate and requested to speak with the construction site manager via the radio system so that he could demand it be removed.
The employee exclusively told the Daily Mail: “He was walking past when he noticed the flag flying on the fifth level, together with a Moldovan flag and another one. He got on the radio with one of the workers and began enquiring why the Union Flag was up there. He just highlighted the Union Flag, not the other two, and said it needed to be taken down. Obviously, he is the boss, and we will not disagree with him. However, Union Flags are commonly used on construction sites. It happens across the country.
“Gary Neville played for England, but he won’t let us put a flag up to celebrate the country where we live. It’s caused a lot of anger. This wasn’t discussed, we were just told. He didn’t mention the Moldovan flag or the other. He only had a problem with the Union Flag.”
He continued, “Afterwards, we had to perform ‘toolbox chats’ for everyone concerning political messaging on the construction site. Basically, we had to justify why we can’t have flags and display our political beliefs because Gary Neville said we can’t.” The three flags on the site are claimed to have been hung by joiners from the principal contractor, Domis Construction.
The worker, who spoke anonymously and defied an order not to discuss the incident, stated that the Union Flag was visible from the street, while the other two were more hidden inside the premises. They went on to say, “Some of us disagreed, but we had to take them down.” Some are disputing Gary Neville’s authority to tell people what flags they can display at work. Flags are being raised all around the country.
“They weren’t happy about having to take them down, but they had to do what they were instructed because they didn’t want to lose their jobs. People who work on construction sites come from all over the world, from various nations, and we all get along very well. So there was no bad intention behind it.”
“Obviously, there are tough times in this country right now, and this is how people are coming together. But by speaking out about it, Neville has opened a can of worms.
Neville will be hoping the controversy settles down before the next Premier League weekend, when he will undoubtedly be a prominent voice covering Manchester United’s trip to Anfield to face arch rivals Liverpool. The international break postpones that game, providing the pundit an ideal opportunity to regroup and let the storm pass between now and October 19.
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