James McClean M Wrexham b.1989 [Archive] - Page 32

SkStu

15/11/2012, 1:05 AM

I understand from reading that, that it's important for you to change other peoples' opinions, that you have this idea that your opinions are somehow more right and other peoples' opinions are more wrong. That you are not comfortable with just expressing your opinion on a matter but have the 'itch' to change the other person's opinion, perhaps towards your own point of view. :)

Here, you can express yourself and debate your point and leave it at that. Why on earth do you want to change people's opinions? that's fundamentalism.

Isn't debating - which you've asked me to do - a matter of convincing others of the accuracy of your opinions versus another opinion? It's not fundamentalism at all, it's just life. Either way, I don't know how different I am to most other people in the real world, never mind this forum.

SkStu

15/11/2012, 1:13 AM

I see what you're saying, but rather than brand McClean an ill-informed loudmouth then, couldn't you acknowledge that his club placed him in a very uncomfortable no-win situation? Should he have toed the line, sold out and set himself up for a good shunning in his home community? Perhaps you were the one who was ill-informed?

FFS, you don't half bleed something to death do you? Didn't I already admit that I didn't understand that the poppy had been hijacked over there by a bunch of nutters and therefore could somewhat more easily understand James' position? Im not the type of poster who's afraid to hold his hands up and be corrected. That said, I stand by my original general sentiments that controversy seems to follow McClean and if it doesn't stop or if he doesnt just wind his neck in a little bit, he'll find himself as a footnote sooner rather than later. Whether his opinions are right or wrong!

The Fly

15/11/2012, 1:30 AM

FFS, you don't half bleed something to death do you?

That trait came in very handy when he wrote his dissertation on player eligibility, I'll have you know. ;)

Didn't I already admit that I didn't understand that the poppy had been hijacked over there by a bunch of nutters and therefore could somewhat more easily understand James' position?

It hasn't been hijacked by nutters. It's simply that the wearing of the poppy has become more or less ubiquitous in Britain and as such any refusal to wear one attracts significant comment. The reasons for McClean's refusal are obvious, as was stated earlier in the thread. The reasons for the poppy's ubiquity, are for another thread.

gastric

15/11/2012, 1:35 AM

Lads,

You know you are testing Tets' sanity by continuing this debate, he has even tried to steer this thread back onto football!

The Fly

15/11/2012, 1:49 AM

The South will fade into a big Federal European political union (one of the United States Of Europe) - we'll be remaining in a different kind of political Union.

http://www.snp.org/donate

SkStu

15/11/2012, 2:57 AM

That trait came in very handy when he wrote his dissertation on player eligibility, I'll have you know. ;)

It hasn't been hijacked by nutters. It's simply that the wearing of the poppy has become more or less ubiquitous in Britain and as such any refusal to wear one attracts significant comment. The reasons for McClean's refusal are obvious, as was stated earlier in the thread. The reasons for the poppy's ubiquity, are for another thread.

Okay! I really don't want to argue about this anymore! I need a holiday! :(

DannyInvincible

15/11/2012, 8:37 AM

I accept in general terms that my opinions might be wrong, and I'm definitely open to changing them but as I said, at the moment, I'm convinced that the specific opinions I hold are right. That's sort of the dictionary definition. If you don't believe it, then it's not your opinion.

The problem isn't believing that your opinion is right, the problem is believing that it can't be wrong.

Some very interesting discussion in James' thread of late! But aren't opinions mere subjective statements of belief or interpretations of a personal perception of the truth/facts determined by one's perspectives and dependent on individual circumstances? They can't be right and wrong, by definition/nature (� la statements of fact, which will always have been true at some point); just different and diverse, surely, with all being as valid as the next? The words "right" and "wrong" bear no meaning when it comes to opinions. When an opinion is accurate, it is no longer an opinion, but a fact, no?

Philosophically-speaking, of course. :)

FFS, you don't half bleed something to death do you? Didn't I already admit that I didn't understand that the poppy had been hijacked over there by a bunch of nutters and therefore could somewhat more easily understand James' position? Im not the type of poster who's afraid to hold his hands up and be corrected. That said, I stand by my original general sentiments that controversy seems to follow McClean and if it doesn't stop or if he doesnt just wind his neck in a little bit, he'll find himself as a footnote sooner rather than later. Whether his opinions are right or wrong!

OK, OK... Controversy does appear to follow young James around, but let's not lazily hold him responsible for all of it before we properly understand the nature and primary cause of these episodes ourselves. That's akin to prejudice. You'll be happy to hear I'll leave it at that. For now... :p

elroy

15/11/2012, 8:52 AM

Thought there was a huge contrast between Coleman and McClean. Both energetic exciting players.

However, I was greatly impressed in the progress that Coleman has made. He has still retained the speed and enthuasiasm at which he attacks. But now most of what he does is very measured and productive.

McClean is like Coleman was a year or two ago. Full of enthuasiasm and energy and attacking threat but sometimes its not very measured, the enthuasiasm gets the better of him and he makes the wrong decisions, loses the ball etc.

He had a couple of good efforts last night but I thought overall his end product was not upto scratch. One of two poor set piece deliveries also mixed in with sublime crosses. In a word, inconsistent.

peadar1987

15/11/2012, 9:43 AM

Some very interesting discussion in James' thread of late! But aren't opinions mere subjective statements of belief or interpretations of a personal perception of the truth/facts determined by one's perspectives and dependent on individual circumstances? They can't be right and wrong, by definition/nature (� la statements of fact, which will always have been true at some point); just different and diverse, surely, with all being as valid as the next? The words "right" and "wrong" bear no meaning when it comes to opinions. When an opinion is accurate, it is no longer an opinion, but a fact, no?

Philosophically-speaking, of course. :)

Of course, but that requires absolute knowledge to be possible. Without that, judging whether something is a fact or an opinion is, well, an opinion. (Quickly getting out of my depth philosophically here!)

Predator

15/11/2012, 2:29 PM

I think it is clear from yesterday that James will not be on the wing when McGeady returns.

czarner

15/11/2012, 3:23 PM

'Sunderland midfielder Meyler defends McClean's poppy decision': http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3908/main/2012/11/13/3523702/sunderland-midfielder-meyler-defends-mccleans-poppy-decision

Just read thescore.ie's version of this story (http://www.thescore.ie/david-meyler-defends-james-mccleans-poppy-decision-672627-Nov2012/) and noticed a key difference:

�James is James. James is his own man and I respect his decision,� said the Leesider, who joined Steve Bruce�s Tiger�s last week.

�Obviously his friends and family were involved in the Bloody Sunday bombings and it�s understandable."

Charlie Darwin

15/11/2012, 9:56 PM

Strange it's in the Journal and nowhere else. I wonder if he said and the other journalists just fact-checked it (knowing journalists, unlikely) or if this guy just had a bit of a blonde moment and inserted it.

DannyInvincible

15/11/2012, 10:32 PM

Just read thescore.ie's version of this story (http://www.thescore.ie/david-meyler-defends-james-mccleans-poppy-decision-672627-Nov2012/) and noticed a key difference:

“James is James. James is his own man and I respect his decision,” said the Leesider, who joined Steve Bruce’s Tiger’s last week.

“Obviously his friends and family were involved in the Bloody Sunday bombings and it’s understandable."

They did always say Widgery was a whitewash...

DannyInvincible

16/11/2012, 2:59 PM

'O’Neill ready to drop McClean again': http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-afc/o-neill-ready-to-drop-mcclean-again-1-5134305

MARTIN O’Neill says he will take James McClean out of the firing line every now and then if he feels it will help the Irish winger adapt to the challenges he is facing this season.

The Sunderland boss handed the former Derry City wide-man his first-team debut in his very first game in charge of the Black Cats, and McClean responded by transforming the game against Blackburn Rovers last December.

Since then, McClean has played virtually every game he has been available for under O’Neill.

But that has changed recently after a dip in form from the 23-year-old.

McClean was back in the starting line-up for the game at Everton last weekend and played well but in the previous two games – against Aston Villa in the league and Middlesbrough in the cup – he suffered the rare experience of starting the matches on the substitutes’ bench.

O’Neill says those decisions have all been taken in a bid to help the emerging talent through a difficult spell.

He told the Gazette: “I’ve still no doubt that James will come through an interesting time in his career and be absolutely fine.

“I think sometimes the substitutes’ bench is maybe my way of rotating.

“We don’t have the same facility to rotate as maybe some of the bigger clubs do.

“But sometimes, maybe just stepping out of it and having a look at it from the outside can refresh you and get you going again.

“I can’t even call it a rest because he has come on both games.”

O’Neill says that ideally, McClean would have several more breaks from the first team as he looks to develop his career in the most favourable conditions.

“There might have been a time or two towards the back end of last season where I might have thought taking him out, about giving him a break.

“But we didn’t really have the personnel to be able to afford to do that.

“I’m not saying that we are necessarily in that much better position as far as that goes this year.

“But the point I’m making is that, just for a little while, a chance to take a breather can help you come back refreshed.

“Over the course of the season though, I’ve got no doubt he’ll come through it. No doubt at all.

“We’ve just got to do everything we can as management and coaches to help smooth his way as much as possible.”

Predator

18/11/2012, 2:35 PM

Doesn't start today, unsurprisingly.

Also, this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20386371

Police are investigating threats made against him on social media.

dantheman

18/11/2012, 3:45 PM

Doesn't start today, unsurprisingly.

Also, this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20386371

Police are investigating threats made against him on social media.

Threats made by Cody Lachey, he's in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6V-d5K8KeE

ArdeeBhoy

18/11/2012, 4:35 PM

He looks and sounds the usual contradictory (& paranoid) idiot.
Or plays it well.

geysir

18/11/2012, 6:34 PM

Good subs appearance from McClean against Fulham. He had a composed, strong and intelligent presence, just what Sunderland needed to carry them over the line. And it's indeed a heavy job to carry Sunderland over the line these days. Played on the right side of midfield.
Should hit the top 5 of Trap's most watched DVD's from this weekend's games

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 1:34 AM

James is safe now. In a rather surreal twist, Lachey has "withdrawn" his death threat: http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/mcclean-death-threat-probe-1-4497648

A former British soldier has withdrawn a death threat he made to Derry�s Sunderland footballer James McClean.

The threat was made by ex-British soldier and now Manchester doorman, Cody Lachey, via Twitter earlier this week.

McClean, 23, caused uproar last weekend when he opted out of wearing a club shirt specially embroidered with the Royal British Legion�s poppy.

Anti-terror police were made aware of threats after 29 year-old Lachey posted images of 5.6mm bullets on McClean�s timeline on Twitter.

�I wanted him dead,� said Lachey. �But there�s no threat from me to James McClean now, although I can�t be held responsible for what other people may do.�

Lachey, who describes himself on the social network site as a �6ft 3 ex army lad� tweeted one of his threats against McClean directly to Sinn Fein newspaper, An Phoblacht.

�@codylachey50: @An_Phoblacht: Poppy bullies� death threats against James McClean! Too right he deserves to be shot dead + body dragged past the cenotaph!!�

Lachey also said: �I think he�s [McClean] a f***ing disgrace. I know I�ll end up in trouble and maybe in prison over this but I�m willing to go to court, that�s how strongly I feel.�

Lachey�s account has since been suspended.

McClean, who has since deleted his Twitter account, was subject to a tirade of offensive messages when he took the decision not to wear the specially designed shirt last Saturday.A spokesperson for McClean�s club Sunderland said: �We can confirm the police have informed us that they are investigating threats made on Twitter.�

Sinn Fein MLA for Foyle, Raymond McCartney, said any alleged threat should be examined thoroughly by the police.

�If any alleged threat has been made it should be withdrawn and thoroughly investigated by police.

�The right of people not to feel intimidated into wearing a poppy must be recognised. That includes professional footballers. James McLean�s personal choice in this regard should be respected.�

Bizarre stuff.

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 1:46 AM

I didn't realise he was booed by Sunderland fans after entering the fold against Fulham: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10055842.Sunderland_winger_endures_poppy_boos/

A PREMIER League star at the centre of a Remembrance Day row was booed by his own supporters as he took to the field for the first time since the incident.

Northern Ireland-born James McClean received a Twitter death threat after refusing to wear a poppy on his Sunderland shirt during the team's game at Everton over the Remembrance Sunday weekend.

Today he was jeered by a sizeable section of Sunderland fans when he came on as a 70th minute substitute in his sides 3-1 win at Fulham.

Speaking after the match, Sunderland manager Martin ONeill said his player would not be put off by the booing, saying: "James will deal with it".

ONeill highlighted the case of TV presenter John Snow who declined to wear a poppy on air and added: "It's a free choice.

James has lived with a lot of things, and he's getting death threats now, which doesn't help."

gastric

19/11/2012, 2:57 AM

I didn't realise he was booed by Sunderland fans after entering the fold against Fulham: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10055842.Sunderland_winger_endures_poppy_boos/

And nutters like the above mentioned and opposition fans will remember this next year and continue to harrass him. He really is becoming as controversial as S Ireland is, but in a very different way. He needs Ferry to guide him properly, but from what has been said here, maybe he's picked the wrong person to help him.

Colbert Report

19/11/2012, 4:09 AM

I think he needs to get out of dodge in January, and move to Europe.

I agree with him not wearing the poppy, I live in Canada and I choose not to wear one myself. However, if you're playing football in a country and you're a public figure, I can understand why those people have every right to expect you to honour their war dead, regardless of whether they understand or care to understand why you have refused to wear the poppy.

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 9:45 AM

And nutters like the above mentioned and opposition fans will remember this next year and continue to harrass him. He really is becoming as controversial as S Ireland is, but in a very different way. He needs Ferry to guide him properly, but from what has been said here, maybe he's picked the wrong person to help him.

Ah, c'mon. You can't hold him responsible for a lunatic thug sending him a death threat and a bunch of thick football supporters howling abuse at him. As for Eugene Ferry guiding him "properly", what do you mean? What could Ferry have done to prevent this? I very much doubt Ferry would have encouraged him to wear a poppy, if that's what you mean, but then, Martin O'Neill/Sunderland didn't force him to wear one either. In fact, they have been very clear that they are behind him; that James was entirely in the right as it was a free choice he was entitled to make. He didn't refuse to wear something he was expected to, as the UK media portrayal keeps informing us through a misrepresented optic; he simply chose not to wear one. The subtle distinction in wording is important.

However, if you're playing football in a country and you're a public figure, I can understand why those people have every right to expect you to honour their war dead, regardless of whether they understand or care to understand why you have refused to wear the poppy.

They don't have every right. They have absolutely no right to expect anything of him. To be honest, you sound like an apologist for fascistic mob populism.

ArdeeBhoy

19/11/2012, 10:21 AM

http://www.balls.ie/football/guy-who-sent-james-mcclean-death-threats-has-his-twitter-account-suspended/#sthash.nfm5vDbZ.dpbs

Predator

19/11/2012, 10:57 AM

Talk of James bringing it upon himself is disturbing. It is a dangerous assertion that merely absolves the idiots that abused him of responsibility for their actions.

johnnyc

19/11/2012, 12:06 PM

Talk of James bringing it upon himself is disturbing. It is a dangerous assertion that merely absolves the idiots that abused him of responsibility for their actions.

This.

I don't think James has done himself any favours with some of his shenanigans in the past, but he's perfectly entitled to opt out of wearing a poppy.

IsMiseSean

19/11/2012, 12:48 PM

A few quotes from the North's world class superstar Warren Feeney here.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/oneill-backs-mcclean-as-police-investigate-death-threats-214426.html

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 1:32 PM

It’s a pity because he’s obviously a talented player. At the same time, it makes me glad he elected to play for the Republic and not us... [McClean’s decision] was an anti-British gesture, yet here he is making a very good living from playing in the Premier League in Britain. His action was a snub to the memory of brave men and women, his club and its fans who pay his wages.

Bit of a weird piece, that. It's none of Feeney's business as to why James didn't don a poppy, but, in his attempt to stir the pot further and jump to daft conclusions, the idiot clearly doesn't get it.

i) McClean made no gesture. He opted out of making one after being put in a very uncomfortable situation by whoever had the bright idea of bringing such a political issue into the footballing domain.

ii) There was nothing anti-British about his non-wearing of a poppy. Lots of people throughout Britain didn't wear a poppy the other weekend for a whole multitude of personal reasons. Such reasons are not necessarily anti-British. It is presumed that James opted not to wear one because of the British Army's history in his home city; that's not necessarily anti-British either. Is taking issue with certain actions of the British Army to be viewed as anti-British now?

iii) It is evident that Feeney sees the NI team as embodying his British identity.

iv) James' club didn't see it as a snub to them and came out in support of his free choice. As for the Sunderland fans, it's none of their business either. Why should it be viewed as a snub to them anyway? What has the symbolism of the poppy got to do with them?

I suppose Feeney wears his poppy all year round...

The Fly

19/11/2012, 1:38 PM

A few quotes from the North's world class superstar Warren Feeney here.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/oneill-backs-mcclean-as-police-investigate-death-threats-214426.html

Enjoy the rest of your time at the bottom of League 2 Warren.

geysir

19/11/2012, 2:38 PM

iii) It is evident that Feeney sees the NI team as embodying his British identity.

It's pretty obvious that the NI team embodies a British identity but what I thought was noteworthy about Warren Feeney's (whoever he is) quote, is that in his opinion the NI team is a comfortable place for pro-British and a cold place for what he perceives to be anti-British. And it would appear that if you don't wear that pro-British symbol you are regarded as anti-British and insulting.

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 2:44 PM

It's pretty obvious that the NI team embodies a British identity but what I thought was noteworthy about Warren Feeney's (whoever he is) quote, is that in his opinion the NI team is a comfortable place for pro-British and a cold place for what he perceives to be anti-British. And it would appear that if you don't wear that pro-British symbol you are regarded as anti-British and insulting.

That might have been to what I was alluding, y'know... :)

Not Brazil

19/11/2012, 3:28 PM

It's pretty obvious that the NI team embodies a British identity but what I thought was noteworthy about Warren Feeney's (whoever he is) quote, is that in his opinion the NI team is a comfortable place for pro-British and a cold place for what he perceives to be anti-British

I think the peace demonstrates that Feeney believes not wearing the Poppy on the Sunderland shirt was an "anti British gesture" by McClean.

Warren has played for Northern Ireland with many players over the years who would not identify themselves as "British" - he did so without issue on their identity.

paul_oshea

19/11/2012, 4:31 PM

He did so without issue of their identity. Good little lad there, keep your beliefs to yerself and just get on with it and we will all be happy. Conform to that and everyone is happy :D

geysir

19/11/2012, 4:49 PM

As long as the croppy lies down, Warren has no issue.

All credit to Warren then, who stoically managed to keep a lid on his more extreme fascist opinions during all his time with the NI squad.

tricky_colour

19/11/2012, 5:07 PM

Threats made by Cody Lachey, he's in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6V-d5K8KeE

Interesting that he supports those who rioted against the state he fought for.

I mean basically he is saying the society that now exists in Britain was not worth fighting for, so one wonders why he wears a poppy himself because I doubt many of those who fought did so for such a divided and unequal society.

He needs to ask himself exactly what those soldiers were fighting for.

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 5:11 PM

Warren has played for Northern Ireland with many players over the years who would not identify themselves as "British" - he did so without issue on their identity.

It's well-known that Warren's a loyal lad to the British cause and when the British national anthem reverberates around Windsor Park before matches, he's there - eyes closed - belting it out with gusto, loud and proud. (Good man yourself, Warren!) Which is a lucky thing really, for if, God forbid, he were ever to let himself be distracted by some of his unruly Catholic team-mates standing down the line beside him, I fear all hell would break loose as he might have noticed their regular snubbing of his national anthem! And worse, on top of that, we'd probably have to suffer another moronic newspaper piece from the plonker.

Sullivinho

19/11/2012, 5:30 PM

Talk of James bringing it upon himself is disturbing. It is a dangerous assertion that merely absolves the idiots that abused him of responsibility for their actions.

Bang on.

Jon Snow couldn't have coined a more applicable term.

Wolfman

19/11/2012, 5:46 PM

It's well-known that Warren's a loyal lad to the British cause and when the British national anthem reverberates around Windsor Park before matches, he's there - eyes closed - belting it out with gusto, loud and proud. (Good man yourself, Warren!) Which is a lucky thing really, for if, God forbid, he were ever to let himself be distracted by some of his unruly Catholic team-mates standing down the line beside him, I fear all hell would break loose as he might have noticed their regular snubbing of his national anthem! And worse, on top of that, we'd probably have to suffer another moronic newspaper piece from the plonker.

Isn't his surname originally from Sligo anyway? He strikes me as more than a little confused.

SolitudeRed

19/11/2012, 7:13 PM

This Cody fellah proves that James McClean has a point in not wearing a Poppy I suppose! The universalist approach that seems to be in vogue amongst many Unionists and now increasingly in Britain it seems, that all British soldiers both serving and former are heroes and morally right is clearly not the case if this clown is anything to go by and I am sure there are a fair few others like him! yet anyone who has any reservations about wearing a poppy are in the wrong but apparently this guy is someone we should all be paying respect to :rolleyes:

Also the Feeney outburst isn't surprising although it is a little disappointing to hear a professional footballer come off with this especially an NI one at a time when they are trying to improve their image. There are probably many who agree with what he has said and to me that is indicative of the fact that although there is a form of peace here that doesn't mean there is any greater level of tolerance of the opposing view and I personally don't think there ever will be as the conflicting ideas over nationality were the very raison d'etre of NI and have been the defining characteristic of it for pretty much all of its existence, added to this is the fact that the current political settlement has institutionalised the sectarian divide.

Sullivinho

19/11/2012, 8:13 PM

The universalist approach that seems to be in vogue amongst many Unionists and now increasingly in Britain it seems, that all British soldiers both serving and former are heroes and morally right is clearly not the case if this clown is anything to go by and I am sure there are a fair few others like him! yet anyone who has any reservations about wearing a poppy are in the wrong but apparently this guy is someone we should all be paying respect to :rolleyes:

Indeed. The fact this so-called incident has widely been reported as McClean 'refusing' to wear a poppy is, to quote Predator, disturbing. The use of the word implies the existence of some unquestionable obligation to do so in the first place. I've even seen it framed as McClean insolently breaking rank, oblivious to the arrogance of the implied assumption that he was conscripted into that groupthink to begin with.

dantheman

19/11/2012, 8:17 PM

Warren "Mini Ibrox" Feeney:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united-ace-warren-feeney-1012325

tetsujin1979

19/11/2012, 8:22 PM

Jon Snow (who refuses to wear the poppy on air) in solidarity with McClean: https://twitter.com/jonsnowC4/status/270540827242164224

Solidarity >James McClean Sunderland footballer, 23, victim of death threats 4 not wearing Poppy. They died that we might be free to choose!

Sullivinho

19/11/2012, 8:24 PM

Warren "Mini Ibrox" Feeney:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united-ace-warren-feeney-1012325

The wind-ups begin three words into that headline.

gastric

19/11/2012, 8:28 PM

Contributors on here are aware of James' background and beliefs. The reality is that the vast majority of people in Britain don't know or care about his politics. To them, it is insulting behaviour, considering Britain is where he makes his living. We can talk about freedom of expression and the like, but Irish politics will always bring out the worst in extremists. Also, fans of opposition teams never forget controversial behaviour, so he is bound to cop it for the foreseeable future. While I sympathise with his stance and his bravery, I still wonder if he might regret it in the long term.

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 9:05 PM

Also the Feeney outburst isn't surprising although it is a little disappointing to hear a professional footballer come off with this especially an NI one at a time when they are trying to improve their image.

It's odd that he doesn't appear to see the inherent contradiction in his stance. International team-mates of his regularly "snub" (to use his terminology) the British national anthem before each NI game by opting out of joining in or bowing their heads or whatever primarily due to their backgrounds. In my mind, such gestures can be equated to McClean's opting out of wearing a poppy; they are personal decisions made based on cultural factors and need not be seen as positively hostile, but rather can be seen as simply passive. Either Feeney has a problem with all such so-called "anti-British" gestures and has kept quiet about it or he is fine with his team-mates' choice to opt out of singing an anthem that induces discomfort and has no cultural relevance to them, in which case, he should hop right back off that anti-McClean bandwagon onto which he somehow found his nosy way.

Here's one, SkStu; do you think NI players from nationalist backgrounds should toe the line and join in with the pre-game revelry because the majority of their team-mates and fans in the stand might be doing so?

DannyInvincible

19/11/2012, 9:07 PM

gastric

19/11/2012, 10:09 PM

Are you implying that James stance was an instance of Irish politics bringing out the worst in an extremist? :/

It was a no-win situation for James given he'd have been shunned in his home community had he opted to wear one.
Granted it is a no win situation. The question is could it have been handled better? Is he being advised properly? TBH, I don't feel he is getting the guidance he clearly needs and this could have been handled better by the club considering they must have realised there could be fallout.

In terms of my mentioning of extremists I was referring to the fact that, for some, such 'Anti British' behaviour must be met by threats of violence which isn't a first for James.