Gary Neville has sparked controversy after claiming “middle-aged white men” were responsible for the terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue that left two people dead on Thursday. The BBC pundit and former England international made the remarks during a social media rant about increasing division in his home city.
The terrorist incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, both residents of Crumpsall. The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, Judaism’s most sacred observance, when the assailant attempted to storm the building before being shot dead by police.
Neville, who represented England 85 times during his playing career, expressed dismay at what he described as growing polarisation in Manchester. His comments have drawn attention for appearing to shift blame away from the actual perpetrator of the synagogue attack.
Neville’s Divisive Comments
“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,” Neville stated in his social media post.
The football analyst made the remarks after witnessing contrasting scenes in Manchester — numerous Union Jack flags displayed in one area whilst Jewish residents gathered defiantly on Berry New Road, refusing to be intimidated following the attack.
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.
Victims and Their Families
Police have yet to complete formal identification procedures, though specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families. A family member of Mr Daulby 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.”
Three additional individuals sustained severe injuries during the attack — one from stabbing, another struck by a vehicle, and a third potentially wounded during police intervention to halt the assailant. Congregants and security personnel successfully prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue building itself.
Attacker Identified
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.
Three individuals — two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties — remain in custody on suspicion of terrorism-related offences in connection with the attack.
Neville’s Brexit Criticism
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. “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.
His comments linking Brexit to the synagogue attack have raised eyebrows, particularly given the attacker’s background and the timing during Yom Kippur, suggesting the incident was motivated by antisemitism rather than domestic political disputes.
Enhanced Security Measures
Chief Superintendent David Meeney announced enhanced security measures across Greater Manchester, 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.
The heightened police presence aims to reassure Jewish communities following the attack, which has sent shockwaves through Manchester’s Jewish population and raised concerns about antisemitic violence in the UK.
Community Response
Jewish residents have responded to the attack with defiance, gathering on Berry New Road in a show of solidarity and determination not to be intimidated by terrorism. The attack during Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — has been seen as a deliberate attempt to target the community during their most significant religious observance.
The incident has reignited debates about security at places of worship and the threat of antisemitic violence in Britain. However, Neville’s decision to focus his criticism on “middle-aged white men” and Brexit rather than addressing the direct perpetrator and motives of the attack has proven controversial.
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