James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[Olé Olé]

After what happened in England with the imbecile that tweeted racial abuse while revelling in Fabrice Muamba's collapse, I would hope that the Northern Irish authorities can act in a similar manner and ensure that these two are also traced. It would be quite a failure on their behalf if they fail to do so and wouldn't reflect well on their anti-sectarianism work.

Martin O'Neill suggested in an interview that maybe McClean should stop tweeting, I think this incident serves to justify his suggestion. Prior to this it was silly arguments with morons wishing McClean injury etc. Death threats are a new level.

[Drumcondra 69er]

McClean has nothing to apologise for.
The nature of the abuse and death threats are a serious development. Neil Lennon withdrew from the NI team just before a game (and retired altogether) after death threats were directed against his family.
Are times any different now? I'd hope that these vile cowardly creatures can be traced and prosecuted.

One from what looks like a spoof account and one from a 16 year old posh private schoolboy who is most likey bricking it right now waiting for his visit from the PSNI. I don't want to make light of it but they're not serious threats.

[osarusan]

McClean has nothing to apologise for.

???

I never mentioned anything about him apologising for anything.

I was responding to Charlie Darwin saying that he clearly doesn't care about the twitter abuse. I disagree - I think him just not acknowledging them in any way would suggest he didn't care about them rather than responding with what he did.

Agreed on what should happen to those making the sickening comments though. Some lad was convicted of racism for comments on Twitter (I think it was twitter) about Muamba after his collapse recently, so there is some kind of precedent there.

[DeLorean]

If I was a manager there's no way in the world I'd allow my players to have twitter accounts. Apologies if this was mentioned previously (very likely) but I was watching Soccer AM a few weeks back and they had that Q&A session with two Sunderland players, David Meyler and Frazier Campbell. They were asked who is their thickest team-mate? They both just looked at each other and in full agreement said James McClean! Meyler said he's the most dim man he's ever met. Funnily enough, when they were asked who the most intelligent is, they reluctantly admitted that it had to be John O'Shea. A bit beside the point but I would fear that McClean is only making trouble for himself by tweeting.

[Doire Abu]

If I was a manager there's no way in the world I'd allow my players to have twitter accounts. Apologies if this was mentioned previously (very likely) but I was watching Soccer AM a few weeks back and they had that Q&A session with two Sunderland players, David Meyler and Frazier Campbell. They were asked who is their thickest team-mate? They both just looked at each other and in full agreement said James McClean! Meyler said he's the most dim man he's ever met. Funnily enough, when they were asked who the most intelligent is, they reluctantly admitted that it had to be John O'Shea. A bit beside the point but I would fear that McClean is only making trouble for himself by tweeting.

McClean is so thick even other footballers realise it? He must be seriously dim.

[Olé Olé]

That comment could also have been as part of what Meyler considers banter. I've seen him refer to McClean as "ugly" a number of times on twitter too. Meyler also associates himself with the Geordie Shore crew, such are his conscious attempts to ensure he remains in a high-intellect social environment.

[Stuttgart88]

McClean is so thick even other footballers realise it? He must be seriously dim.

They might not be as thick as you think! (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/06/soccer-player-smart-executive-function_n_1405938.html)

[geysir]

One from what looks like a spoof account and one from a 16 year old posh private schoolboy who is most likey bricking it right now waiting for his visit from the PSNI. I don't want to make light of it but they're not serious threats.
Whether it's serious or not, doesn't or shouldn't come into it.
We were constantly reminded that the death threats against Lennon and his family were not serious and were the work of a nutter with a 10p coin. Nevertheless, it was the threats against his family in particular that finally inspired Lennon to retire from the NI team. No police intelligence could say to Lennon with any authority whether the threats were serious or not.
As long as racist minded individuals can raise their heads out of an ethnically cynical/bigoted NI fan mindset, you can never tell what other morons there, may feel they have a licence to say or do.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd have thought his childish reply suggested the opposite.

I agree with Drummerboy - he should just stay off twitter altogether, or at least just ignore the moronic comments directed at him.
He just seems amused by it.

[paul_oshea]

He just seems amused by it.

He may have been amused by it, but his response was childish. I'm with osarusan, just ignore the remarks and report to twitter who are then obliged to pass on the information to police.

[Charlie Darwin]

Well yeah it's childish and he does taunt these morons sometimes, I just don't think the threats bother him.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Closed his twitter account. Good decision.

[tricky_colour]

Probably a good idea to close it, I think twitter is rubbish anyway.
I don't follow anyone really, well I have and account and follow a few people but I never log on to it
as it basically a load of rubbish.

Does Trap tweet? lol.

[BonnieShels]

given the abuse he's taken after changing allegiances, his commitment is the last thing I'm worried about

Really Tets? tut tut tut.

[DannyInvincible]

Does Trap tweet? lol.

Does Trap do text-speak when he's texting the players?

[Olé Olé]

Does Trap do text-speak when he's texting the players?

"u av mentalite so i tink u cum wi us in d future..k?"

[DannyInvincible]

I know, I know... I haven't quoted from my other favourite forum in a while - and apologies for touching on the eligibility issue for those who don't like it raised in the McClean thread - but there's been some great material since the latest media storm rose and this should at least humour you:


I know our route down the CAS avenue is closed but is there any thoughts of someone with far greater articulation than me constructing a letter to the three associations in the ROI group informing of this anomoly McClean and the fact that the ROI are actually breeching FIFA rules by picking him.
Its easy for FIFA/CAS to conclude to the IFA in a court of law that due to the oddities of the Irish situation they can pick McClean, it would be much harder explaining to another association that they have been knocked out because Mr mcClean feels more Irish and Dublin give out citizenship on a whip stitch.

(Where's the fell-off-chair emoticon?)

[SwanVsDalton]

I know our route down the CAS avenue is closed but is there any thoughts of someone with far greater articulation than me constructing a letter to the three associations in the ROI group informing of this anomoly McClean and the fact that the ROI are actually breeching FIFA rules by picking him.
Its easy for FIFA/CAS to conclude to the IFA in a court of law that due to the oddities of the Irish situation they can pick McClean, it would be much harder explaining to another association that they have been knocked out because Mr mcClean feels more Irish and Dublin give out citizenship on a whip stitch.

Somebody call NASA and see if they'll daub that post on the moon in giant luminous letters. Please.

[The Fly]

I know our route down the CAS avenue is closed but is there any thoughts of someone with far greater articulation than me constructing a letter to the three associations in the ROI group informing of this anomoly McClean and the fact that the ROI are actually breeching FIFA rules by picking him. Its easy for FIFA/CAS to conclude to the IFA in a court of law that due to the oddities of the Irish situation they can pick McClean, it would be much harder explaining to another association that they have been knocked out because Mr mcClean feels more Irish and Dublin give out citizenship on a whip stitch.


http://i.imgur.com/JpVyc.gif


Somebody call NASA and see if they'll daub that post on the moon in giant luminous letters. Please.

I'm still waiting for a player eligibility mural on the Shankill Road or Sandy Row.

The Moon can wait its turn. ;)

[Stuttgart88]

Somebody call NASA and see if they'll daub that post on the moon in giant luminous letters. Please.

If later generations found that post on the moon, scientists could only rationally conclude that there is no evidence of intelligent life forms there.

[Charlie Darwin]

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I know, I know... I haven't quoted from my other favourite forum in a while - and apologies for touching on the eligibility issue for those who don't like it raised in the McClean thread - but there's been some great material since the latest media storm rose and this should at least humour you:



(Where's the fell-off-chair emoticon?)

Sweet Jesus.

http://tgfb.net/use/src/131872195573.jpg

[Razors left peg]

I know, I know... I haven't quoted from my other favourite forum in a while - and apologies for touching on the eligibility issue for those who don't like it raised in the McClean thread - but there's been some great material since the latest media storm rose and this should at least humour you:



(Where's the fell-off-chair emoticon?)

Well at least he fancies our chances of knocking out the other teams :)

[gastric]

Can't believe that these so called NI fans could be so stupid as to threaten him in such a public way when they can easily be tracked down. Then again....

[paul_oshea]

Earlier a PSNI spokesperson said a formal complaint had not been received at this stage from the player by police in the North or England. "We don’t discuss individual cases, however, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.’’

They didn't need muamba to complain, but because a member of the public made a complaint they followed it up. How would one go about making a formal complaint?

[BonnieShels]

Walk into a police station and complain.

[paul_oshea]

Police stations don't really exist in London believe it or not....

[Fixer82]

http://tgfb.net/use/src/131872195573.jpg

"Oh Sweet Me"

[horton]

James McClean has closed his Twitter account after receiving death threats following his selection for the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 finals squad.The 23-year-old Derry-born Sunderland winger made the move after he was sent a message saying he "deserved to be shot" for opting to play for the Republic rather than Northern Ireland.
McClean was the subject of abuse earlier this season when he announced his decision, which is allowed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Northumbria Police today confirmed they have received no complaint, while a spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: "We do not discuss the security of any individual.
"However, if we receive information that a person's life may be at risk, we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk."
McClean is currently on Wearside preparing for Sunday's final Barclays Premier League fixture of the season against Manchester United.
Black Cats chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "Any incidents of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and the club is looking into this matter carefully."
McClean was also inundated with messages of support from both sides of the border following his inclusion on Monday in Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.
He has just one senior cap to his name to date, and that from an appearance as a substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic in February.
His emergence from the bench was greeted by rapturous applause by fans at the Aviva Stadium, and his form for Sunderland since has earned him a seat on the plane.
The FAI expressed disappointment with the threats aimed at the player, and backed his decision to withdraw from the social network site.
A spokesman said: "It's a pity it has come to this, but it is maybe in his best interests in the short term."
Trapattoni's players will be able to use Twitter during the tournament, which gets under way for them with a game against Croatia in Poznan on 10 June, but under specified guidelines.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0509/320217-mcclean-closes-twitter-account/

He's been on the recieving end of abuse for months on twitter, he definitely was giving as good as he got to the neanderthals on it but hardly surprising he's closed the account over this.

[Predator]

Only, he wasn't giving "as good as he got". He wasn't dishing out death threats and the like.

[Lionel Ritchie]

ah he is well lippy though Predator. No harm to have him off it. No harm to get the rest of them off it as well.

Incidently RTE covered it with another one of their "...eligible under the terms of the GFA" beauts. As if people had nothing better to do when the GFA was being negotiated. http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0509/320217-mcclean-closes-twitter-account/

[Stuttgart88]

I thought that's what it was all about? Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam were horrified that there was a lack of clarity over Alan Kernaghan and Ger Crossley's international eligibility.

[Charlie Darwin]

Little did they know the trouble they'd cause!

[BonnieShels]

James McClean was interviewed by Ken Early today.

Will be on Off the Ball around 8pm.

http://www.newstalk.ie/

[Olé Olé]

Was just about to post about this too. The snippet there sounded very interesting as he spoke about his inability to attach himself to NI due to the sectarian flags etc in Windsor Park. Early won't be afraid to ask some tough questions either so should be insightful.

[BonnieShels]

Was just about to post about this too. The snippet there sounded very interesting as he spoke about his inability to attach himself to NI due to the sectarian flags etc in Windsor Park. Early won't be afraid to ask some tough questions either so should be insightful.

I just hope he doesn't do anything as stupid as what he did with Roy last week.

[DannyInvincible]

Just listening in. Haven't missed it, have I?

[BonnieShels]

James McClean was interviewed by Ken Early today.

Will be on Off the Ball around 8pm.

http://www.newstalk.ie/

Questions we couldn't ask John is on... should be on after this... but I seem to remember that the Roy Keane interview was on at 9pm last week during the Football Show.

[BonnieShels]

On now!!!

[geysir]

That's some accent he has.
I couldn't make head nor tail out of his Derry speak.
We should put him, Robbie and McGeady in front of the media in Poland to answer questions.

[jbyrne]

The snippet there sounded very interesting as he spoke about his inability to attach himself to NI due to the sectarian flags etc in Windsor Park.

and yet those fans that abuse him for choosing the south over the 6 counties still refuse to see why the likes of mcclean dont want to play for them. what a blinkered lot they are. baffling really

[French Toasht]

Interview in today's Irish Times. Confirms everything we knew already about his time with NI.

“For me, personally, I didn’t feel part of it. It’s probably the wrong thing to say but it was just a stepping stone in my career.”

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0511/1224315908715.html

[gastric]

James is now using the media to pee off Ni fans rather than using twitter. He really needs to stop inflaming things considering the threats made recently and should solely concentrate on the Euros.

[jbyrne]

James is now using the media to pee off Ni fans rather than using twitter. He really needs to stop inflaming things considering the threats made recently and should solely concentrate on the Euros.

why should he tippy-toe around the reasons he made the decision to declare for the south?
what he says is the truth and he should say it if thats how he feels. would rather a player willing to speak his mind than a yes man.

[Predator]

ah he is well lippy though Predator. No harm to have him off it. No harm to get the rest of them off it as well.
To suggest that he gave as good as he got implies parity when there is none. Let's not forget that.

For example, people, like Gregory Campbell, are quick to suggest that James "invited" this upon himself, but I don't buy this.

He has been the recipient of abuse since the moment he declared for the FAI. Are we then to take it that the very act of declaring for the FAI is an invitation to Northern Ireland fans to abuse and intimidate? Is every young player to expect the same if they declare?

Perhaps now, with all this publicity, a number of these fools will think twice about what they think they have to say to players like McClean, Duffy, et al.

[paul_oshea]

Did campbell really come out and say that? Really,what an idiot, an elected official comes out with this statement,that he brought on himself death threats? Yes maybe if he were a paedophile or a mass murderer I could understand this comment.

Its like that Senator in America about Guam tipping over, the fools you govern, will inevitably elect a fool.

[Predator]

Did campbell really come out and say that? Really,what an idiot, an elected official comes out with this statement,that he brought on himself death threats? Yes maybe if he were a paedophile or a mass murderer I could understand this comment.

Its like that Senator in America about Guam tipping over, the fools you govern, will inevitably elect a fool.He said that the threats were "reprehensible", but added the caveat that McClean also had to take responsibility. I can't swallow that, considering the months of abuse just for declaring for the FAI.

[paul_oshea]

No wonder Middle America is the way it is as well!!

[gastric]

why should he tippy-toe around the reasons he made the decision to declare for the south?
what he says is the truth and he should say it if thats how he feels. would rather a player willing to speak his mind than a yes man.

We already know his opinion, he has stated it on numerous occasions. How many times is enough? I agree he is no yes man, but do we really need such a sideshow with such a major tournament coming up?

[jbyrne]

We already know his opinion, he has stated it on numerous occasions. How many times is enough? I agree he is no yes man, but do we really need such a sideshow with such a major tournament coming up?

its 4 weeks until the tournament. better to face it down now that in June. He was over here doing media stuff yesterday and if he is asked about something he is well within his rights to answer truthfully.