Gary Neville has claimed “middle-aged white men” were the cause of the terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday in a rant to his followers on social media.
The BBC pundit launched into a tirade expressing his dismay at “division” in his home city after the Islamist attack – but turned his fire on “white men”.
The attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall.
“I just kept thinking that 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,” Mr Neville spat.
Gary Neville has taken aim at people putting up flags around the country
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The pundit made the remarks after seeing numerous Union Jack flags displayed in one part of Manchester while Jewish residents gathered defiantly on Berry New Road, refusing to be intimidated following the attack.
Police have yet to complete formal identification procedures, though specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families.
One of Mr Daulby’s family members posted on social media: “As Adrian’s family, we are heartbroken by his passing. We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we grieve and seek the answers we need.”
The assault occurred during Yom Kippur, Judaism’s most sacred observance.
Three more people sustained severe injuries – one from stabbing, another struck by a vehicle, and a third potentially wounded during police intervention to halt the assailant.
Congregants and security personnel prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue building.
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Gary Neville said ‘the division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting’
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Neville revealed he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his property developments, questioning the motivations behind recent displays of national symbols.
“I love my country, I’ve played for England 85 times, but there hasn’t been a Union Jack put up in the last 15 to 20 years. Why put one up now?” he asked, suggesting such displays were intended to convey hostility.
The former Manchester United defender drew parallels with his footballing days, recalling how his squad comprised players from Manchester, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Africa, Asia, America and Europe who functioned as “a beautiful team united as one”.
He attributed current tensions partly to Brexit’s aftermath, claiming it had inflicted severe damage on national cohesion.
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“It needs to stop now and we need to get back to a country of love, peace, and harmony, and become a team again,” Neville concluded.
Greater Manchester Police identified the attacker as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian origin who had lived in the UK since childhood and received citizenship in 2006.
Officers fatally shot Al-Shamie at the scene after he allegedly rammed a vehicle towards the synagogue entrance before launching a knife attack.
Gay Neville has 85 caps for England
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Three individuals – two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties – remain in custody on suspicion of terrorism-related offences.
Chief Superintendent David Meeney announced enhanced security measures, with additional uniformed officers patrolling north Manchester, Bury and Salford, particularly near Jewish institutions.
“We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish,” he said.