Liverpool MP says 'it takes a lot' as he backs Gary Neville's flag comments

The former footballer sparked a row with comments made after the Manchester synagogue attack

A Liverpool Member of Parliament has backed Gary Neville in a row over the former footballer's comments about flags and 'angry, middle-aged white men.' Mr Neville spoke out in a video posted on social media after a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue last week.

In his video, the Sky Sports pundit revealed that he had removed a Union Flag from one of his Manchester development sites, suggesting that the recent trend of people flying both Union and St George's flags is being done "in a negative fashion."

Speaking in the video, the ex-Manchester United star said: "I just kept thinking as I was driving home last night that we are all being turned on each other.

"The division being created is absolutely disgusting. Mainly created by angry, middle-aged, white men, who know exactly what they are doing."

After explaining that he had removed the flag from his building site, he added: "It is quite clearly sending a message."

He suggested the flag is being used in a negative fashion before stating that he loves his country, having represented England 85 times at international level.

The comments have prompted plenty of debate in the country and he has been heavily criticised by many figures on the right - including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

In his own video, Mr Farage accused the ex-footballer of being 'so detached from the average football fan' and suggested it was mainly middle-aged, white men who watch Sky Sports and pay his salary.

But LFC-supporting Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne has backed the ex-Man Utd player in the row, something he said he would normally find hard to do owing to the rivalry between the two North West clubs.

Mr Byrne tweeted in response to Mr Farage's video and said: "From a Kopite, it takes a lot to back @GNev2 but he’s absolutely spot on, and millions are with him on this."

Speaking about the Reform UK leader, he added: "Ignore the upper-class banker who’s got no idea what working class struggle looks like."

While Mr Farage said he was amazed that Mr Neville remains working for Sky, reports suggest the broadcaster has no intention of punishing him for his intervention.

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