McClean in poppy stance controversy again

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey has decribed as “appalling” the reaction to Premiership footballer James McClean’s decision not to join his Wigan team mates in wearing a poppy-emblazoned strip against Bolton.

The 25-year-old winger was attacked on social media by users who branded his decision a “disgrace”, and that he should be “ashamed”. Others sided with the Derry man, stating it was his own choice whether to wear the poppy or not.

McClean claried his stance in a letter addressed to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan before kick-off on Friday night.

He wrote: “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.”

James McClean said he has “complete respect” for those who fought and died in both world wars.

The Republic of Ireland international went on to say: “But the poppy is used to remember victims of other conflicts since 1945 and this is where the problem starts for me.

“For people from the North of Ireland such as myself, and specifically those in Derry, scene of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, the poppy has come to mean something very different. Please understand, Mr Whelan, that when you come from Creggan like myself or the Bogside, Brandywell or the majority of places in Derry, every person still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest days in Ireland’s history - even if, like me, you were born nearly 20 years after the event.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted to defend the footballer on Monday, saying: “James McClean - thoughtful, respectful and dignified. A credit.”

Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey wrote on his Facebook page: “It is appalling the way footballer James McClean is being treated by many people, his opinion and decision should be accepted and respected.” (SIC)

Mr Ramsey said McClean “is forced to explain his position every year, which is much different, if he was with the same club, there would be no need to explain”. He added that if McClean chose to wear a poppy he “would also be defending and supporting him as its his choice”.

The MLA’s opinion on Facebook generated a huge response.

One man wrote: “We live in a democracy. He has the democratic right to chose whether or not he wants to wear it. It is a disgrace that people are blasting his opinion and these people should be ashamed...”

Another user wrote: “With greatest respect Pat, this is the annual James McClean rant. He does this every year. He has no problem posting selfies every year with his Easter Lily. If he puts himself out there, he has to be man enough to take the backlash. Its called democracy.”