James McClean turns his back on the flag of St George as British national anthem is played
FORMER Derry City player James McClean has been advised about his future conduct at his new club West Bromich Ablion after he sparked anger by turning his back on the British national anthem during his club’s pre-season tour in the US.
The WBA’s new £1.5 million signing was seen to face away from the flag of St George as he stood alongside his team-mates who were lining up to face South Carolina-based United Soccer League club Charleston Battery.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been warned about his behaviour by West Brom boss Tony Pulis.
The 26-year-old Bogside lad previously refused to wear a poppy on his kit in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday while playing for Sunderland and Wigan Athletic, saying it would have been disrespectful to the ‘innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles’.
McClean turned away from the cross of St George when ‘God Save The Queen’ began to play.
His decision to snub the anthem sparked anger on Twitter, with some fans branding him ‘scum’ for his actions.
McClean responded to criticism by tweeting ‘I don’t need to say anything or will I either’ but encouraged followers to read an online article entitled ‘In Defence of James McClean’.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis spoke to McClean after the match and told him to be more mindful, but this is not the first time the player has caused controversy for his beliefs.
In November 2012 he received abuse and death threats on Twitter after refusing to wear a remembrance poppy on his kit with his Sunderland team-mates.
A week after the snub, McClean was booed by his own supporters with some taunting him with chants such as ‘f*** the IRA’ and others about hunger striker Bobby Sands, while Northumbria Police confirmed they were investigating death threats directed at the player.
A man claiming to be a British soldier posted photographs of 5.6mm bullets on the midfielder’s timeline on the social networking website, and wrote: ‘Poppy bullies’ death threats against James McClean! Too right he deserves to be shot dead + body dragged past the cenotaph!!’
McClean last year wrote a letter to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan explaining his stance after again refusing to wear a poppy on his kit.
McClean wrote a letter to the Wigan chairman last year explaining his stance after refusing to wear a poppy.
HIS CONTROVERSIAL CAREER
He wrote: ‘For me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially – as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII.
‘It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.
‘I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you’re a man you should stand up for what you believe in.’
McClean’s latest controversial decision has been met with similar outrage on Twitter.
One user, @amywiseman22, wrote: ‘James McClean… Happy to live and earn in England, not happy to respect its traditions or beliefs.’
Another, @leeukufc, added: ‘This James McClean fella turning his back at our national anthem, bet he doesn’t shy away from collections his English wage…’
‘James McClean shouldn’t be in our country if he can’t even respect the national anthem! I can understand the poppy thing but not the anthem,’ added @dan_safc3.
It hasn’t been disapproved by all users, however. User @evamcl3 wrote: ‘People who had a go at McClean probably missed a few history lessons. Well done to the lad.’
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