Manchester United legend Gary Neville has spoken out against 'middle-aged white men' following a synagogue attack in Manchester that claimed the lives of two innocent Jewish civilians.
On October 2, followers of Judaism were celebrating the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur, a moment in time that is regarded as the holiest day of the year for Jewish people. However, the annual event led to tragedy in Manchester. An attack that has since been labelled as a 'terrorist incident' saw Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, ram his car into innocent bystanders, before stabbing the victims at Heaton Park's Hebrew Congregation.
As per the BBC, he took the lives of two people, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, and injured three more. The 35-year-old suspect was shot dead at the scene and has been a topic of conversation since. With both Manchester United and City releasing statements on the attack, former Red Devils full-back, Gary Neville, has released a video statement on the matter.
Gary Neville Speaks Out on Manchester Synagogue Attack
Gary Neville working for Sky Sports
Gary Neville working for Sky Sports
Neville has not been afraid to speak out in the past. A loud voice during England's recent government-based issues, he has gained a reputation for not being afraid to say what is on his mind. Being Manchester-born, the attack in Heaton would have hit close to home, and as an advocate for the city, the 50-year-old posted a video on the matter.
Discussing the recent 'Operation Raise the Colours', a title that has been given to the recent influx of Great Britain and Union Jack flags seen around the country, Neville linked this to the recent tragedy in Manchester, with his words dividing opinion.
"When I was driving to Salford City last night, going down Littleton Road, I seen probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags. And on the way back I went down the parallel road, Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart and they’re out on the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear. I just kept thinking as I was driving home last night 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."
With the divide in England and Great Britain continuing, Neville's opinion is just one of millions on the matter regarding raised flags and terrorist attacks. Keir Starmer, who flew home early from Denmark to host an emergency COBRA meeting, has promised the Jewish people he will do "everything" he can to protect them.