Overview

• Gary Neville said the Union Flag was being used in a negative way, removed one from a Manchester site, and blamed rising division on angry, middle‑aged white men.
• Faith and communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said he was right to highlight people trying to stoke tension, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain that such division must be rooted out.
• Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne publicly supported Neville despite club rivalry, saying millions agree with his stance.
• Critics on the right escalated attacks, with Nigel Farage denouncing Neville and Daily Express assistant editor James Walker calling those intimidated by the flag “a moron.”
• Reports indicated Sky Sports did not plan disciplinary action, and Neville returned to pundit duty the following weekend.