Danny Kelly has launched a furious rant at ex-Manchester United star Gary Neville over his recent outburst about Union Jacks and St George's crosses.
The former BBC journalist fumed that it was ordinary working-class people who “paid Mr Neville’s salary” and helped him build his business empire.
The comments come after England supporters in Riga turned their backs on Mr Neville during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.
Offensive chants calling him a “w***ker” rang out from the away section.
Danny Kelly has launched a furious rant at Gary Neville over his recent comment on social media
|GB NEWS
The backlash appears linked to Mr Neville’s recent LinkedIn post criticising “angry, middle-aged white men”.
Speaking on GB News, Mr Kelly said: “Well, he’s really pulled the tail of a tiger, Martin. The mood in the country, if you’re a white, working-class, middle-aged, angry man, to use his language is not great.
“Remember, it’s the working class that paid Mr Neville’s salary and helped him make the millions that allowed him to start building a successful business such as buildings, hotels, restaurants in Manchester.
“It’s the angry, middle-aged white men who enabled that. So it’s no surprise people have turned on him.
"Even some of my friends who are Man United fans are furious. The fact he’s categorising people who want to fly flags as angry middle-aged white men?
"Completely unnecessary. He’s never learned from Gary Lineker. If you’re on television doing something you’re excellent at, like punditry, just keep politics out of it. You’ve nothing to gain but everything to lose.”
Gary Neville was compared to Gary Lineker for his comments
| Sky Sports/YouTubeMartin agreed: "I think you’re right. He’s become something of a pound-shop Lineker since Gary retired.”
Speaking to his social media followers in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attacks, Mr Neville said: "Seeing the news last night and this morning dominated by the horrific attacks within the Jewish community, just a mile from here.
“When I was driving to Salford City last night, I saw probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags.
“And on the way back down Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart, they were out on the streets — defiant, not hiding or in fear.
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“I just kept thinking as I was driving home that we’re all being turned on each other. The division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting.
“Mainly created by angry, middle-aged white men who know exactly what they’re doing.”
In the days since his remarks, a noticeably larger team of security guards has been stationed outside the Stock Exchange Hotel, which Neville co-owns in the city centre.