‘Anti-Irish racism campaign against James McClean needs to be called out’ - Anderson

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said “more needs to be done to support Derry footballer James McClean who has suffered an anti-Irish racism campaign for the past nine years”.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 15th Jul 2020, 12:05 BST
Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson has hit out at the vile attacks James McClean has been subjected to.Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson has hit out at the vile attacks James McClean has been subjected to.
Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson has hit out at the vile attacks James McClean has been subjected to.

The Derry politician was speaking after James McClean spoke about how criticism has been largely muted when it came to his own experience of racist attacks during his career.

The Stoke City and Ireland winger has been sent bullets in the post and his children have been subjected to vile messages online in recent months.

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Martina Anderson said: “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.

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“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.”