The divisive remark about a very iconic British symbol - the Union Jack flag - sent the nation into fury as Jeremy Vine guests Marina Purkiss and James Max debated the topic during his Channel 5 show.
TalkTV star James Max was a special guest on today's show, where he discussed his pride about the Union Jack flag. The panel spoke about how it had been linked to huge cultural icons in music and sport, pointing out its use in the Olympics and in 1990s Britpop, when Geri Halliwell of The Spice Girls had worn the flag on her dress.
Liam Gallagher and his brother Noel had been supporters too during the 90s. However, Marina Purkiss insisted that she felt people proudly displaying the flag were betraying that they were "anti-something else".
Talking of when she sees people display the flag on their car or the front of their home, she argued: "My immediate reaction is that person's going to be anti-something. I think they're going to be anti-EU, anti-foreigners, anti-immigration."
She griped at the idea of it representing being "pro British to the extent that you are anti-something else". However, furious viewers took to Twitter to fight back.
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"Utter utter nonsense it's the flag of this great land STOP putting it down if you're anti-union flag you're anti-Britain and you don't deserve such a wonderful place to live!" (sic) blasted one.
They added: "The flag brings everyone together 4 countries 1 FLAG United Kingdom." (sic)
"Shame on every one of you!" stormed another, indignant at the suggestion that pride in the flag was linked to "being a racist".
Passionate followers added their tributes to the iconic symbol, although not everyone felt included.
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One stated: "You won't catch me flying it. I nor any Welsh person is represented on it."
However, another exclaimed: "In Northern Ireland it's flown everywhere!"
Meanwhile, on the programme, James Max insisted: "If you shy away from it, you're giving in."
He added: "By all means if you want to have it on the front of your house, have it on the front of your house!"
