James McClean:

sorry but glad you found a copy

 

James McClean is likely to face criticism over his decision not to wear a poppy in the next few weeks, yet former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill believes the Derry-born winger is right to take a stance on the issue.

McClean has been targeted with abuse on social media platforms over the last decade after refusing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy, which commemorates the members of the military who lost their lives serving their country.

The stance has seen Ireland and Wrexham winger McClean come under repeated attack during a career that has included spells at Sunderland, Wigan and West Brom and Stoke.

Now former Northern Ireland international O’Neill defended McClean’s position, as he gave his views to radio station talkSPORT.


"James McClean took a stance on the poppy,” began O’Neill, who managed McClean during his tenure as Republic of Ireland boss.

"This is what he felt at the time and I’m sure he feels the same now. He refused to wear the poppy and that is entirely his decision.

"James McClean as the person that I know, he realised he would take a lot of abuse not only from away fans, but from home fans as well. He was prepared to do that.

"James McClean, as a person, has more courage in his little finger than I have in my whole body, believe it or not.

"He took the stance knowing what was going to happen in the future and it did. I’m not so sure I would have had that courage.”

McClean spoke about his position on the poppy during his appearance with Patrick Kiely on the Late Late Show last month, as he confirmed he has no regrets over is decision.

"I knew when I took the stance, there was going to be consequences,” said McClean.

"I grew up as a young lad in Derry with my beliefs, just because I became a footballer in England doesn’t mean I’m going to change them.

“It's quite funny, actually, because, there's two sides to that history but, over there (in England), there is an arrogance and ignorance, where they are taught one side of history.

"They speak about the IRA and this and that, as terrorists. We look upon the British army as terrorists, as well, because of what they inflicted in my home city, and throughout the north of Ireland.

“They see themselves as quite arrogant and superior to us. That has been the frustration for me. I understand their belief but I don’t go around trying to push my beliefs on them.”

 

Ive always admired McClean for his stance on this. You cant force people to respect something they dont respect. Remembrance Day....like McClean said, is a designated day in Britain to remember dead soldiers in ALL conflicts. Not just the first or second world wars. Why would McClean remember and respect the dead soldiers who were trying to kill his people and were fighting for the exact opposite cause that he and his people supported. Would the British like it if they were forced to remember dead Nazis? Or dead Argentinians from the Falklands conflict?? They are so arrogant...it drives me mad

 

You just know he would leather 99% of they clowns as well, all giving it big licks hiding behind stewards

 

Wish we had him in his prime. Just imagine how the huns would have hated his guts

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The amount of abuse he has endured in England is sickening and * me off the amount of support their is in Ireland for the EPL.

 

Yeah I don't get it either. Presumably all the EPL lovers in Eire are content to know their place.

 

Well said.

 

I've never wore a poppy and I've never cared what any hun imperialist * thinks about it.

I don't even stop working for the minutes silence. Not that I make a point of disrespecting minutes silences....just only this one.

In 1916 in the trenches the news came through of the Easter Rising and Irishmen were shot for sedition when they cheered when hearing the news.

This is worth remembering. But they don't remember that. They have selective memory. They think that just because they were on the same side as the Americans and Russians when they two beat the Nazis (not the brits)....that this changes 800 years of history of them being tyrannical murdering * that tore apart the world to suit their sick British agenda.

 

Also can this thread be moved to the sports section of the site please @Rydo1888*

 

Apart from Joe Hart of course

 

Would have loved for him to have had a spell here. His attitude is unreal.

 

James getting dog's abuse again is he? No doubt he brought it on himself etc. I thought KICK IT OUT would have been all over this.........