James McClean subjected to racial abuse at Barnsley last November
Creggan-born James has been repeatedly abuse from the touchline and online from English fans over his stance in not wearing the Poppy each November over the killings of 14 unarmed civilians on Bloody Sunday in 1972 by British soldiers.
Said the Foyle MLA: “It’s very sad that anyone would have to suffer such anti Irish racism in 2020.
“I offer my support to James, Erin and their young family.
“Racism in any form must be challenged wherever it arises. There is no place for racism in soccer, sport or society.
“I would appeal to those with influence within the sporting world to support James and his family.
“No person, in any walk of life, should have to suffer racial and sectarian abuse or intimidation.
“It has been the case that James has been the subject of a witch-hunt and there has been a very vile campaign of hate against him across many platforms on social media.
“It’s totally wrong and shouldn’t be happening.
“There is a duty on us all to tackle racism and discrimination of any form in our communities and workplaces by challenging negative comments and behaviour.”
