James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[DannyInvincible]

The reason he didn't wear one is because he was free to choose either way, as the club confirmed in a statement. Martin O'Neill didn't wear one on the touchline either but there's not been so much of a storm about that little fact. It's double standards. McClean's an easier target as the media like to frame him as a contentious figure, if not an unruly simpleton, in order to sell papers. This is easier because he wears his identity on his chest and comes from relatively-deprived Creggan. Attempting to frame the refined and enlightened O'Neill of Kilrea, who passed up his law education at Queen's University in order to sign for Forest after an academic education at St. Columb's College, in the same boat simply wouldn't wash. Should either have to explain their "actions" in further detail beyond not wearing the thing? Why should either have to face the media? It's nobody else's business, frankly.

McClean is obviously passionate about his identity. There's nothing wrong with that. If people take issue with outward manifestations of that identity, that's indicative of a wider social problem rather than a personal problem with McClean per se.

[gastric]

The reason he didn't wear one is because he was free to choose either way, as the club confirmed in a statement. Martin O'Neill didn't wear one on the touchline either but there's not been so much of a storm about that little fact. It's double standards. McClean's an easier target as the media like to frame him as a contentious figure, if not an unruly simpleton, in order to sell papers. This is easier because he wears his identity on his chest and comes from relatively-deprived Creggan. Attempting to frame the refined and enlightened O'Neill of Kilrea, who passed up his law education at Queen's University in order to sign for Forest after an academic education at St. Columb's College, in the same boat simply wouldn't wash. Should either have to explain their "actions" in further detail beyond that? Why should either have to face the media? It's nobody else's business, frankly.

McClean is obviously passionate about his identity. There's nothing wrong with that. If people take issue with outward manifestations of his identity, that's indicative of a wider social problem rather than a personal problem with McClean per se.

Agreed about his passion and his right to choose. However, there is an issue which you seem to be skirting around. Police investigating a death threat and you say it is no one's business? While you may know a lot about the eligibility issue, you really don't understand the roles of public relations in such issues. Press conferences clear up issues. Remember this is going to raise its ugly head again next year and any decent PR person would be trying to clear it up now and the obvious way would be for James to explain his position. This would make it harder for the media to target him again next year and might even create some understanding of him among a very ignorant British public on such issues.

Commenting on O'Neil's degree and where McClean comes from shows your understanding of the issue, but how does this help the British public understand? It's okay to be academic about such issues, but think first about the realities which your last post seemed to ignore.

[DannyInvincible]

Agreed about his passion and his right to choose. However, there is an issue which you seem to be skirting around. Police investigating a death threat and you say it is no one's business? While you may know a lot about the eligibility issue, you really don't understand the roles of public relations in such issues. Press conferences clear up issues. Remember this is going to raise its ugly head again next year and any decent PR person would be trying to clear it up now and the obvious way would be for James to explain his position. This would make it harder for the media to target him again next year and might even create some understanding of him among a very ignorant British public on such issues.

That's one way of looking at it. Another is that a statement would validate the fascistic and obnoxious idiocy. Where would one draw the line if McClean/Sunderland got into the business of making a statement every time a member of the public or some journalist took issue with something? Having to maintain a public diary of sorts would merely act as further distraction for the player. Besides, there's nothing stopping the media from doing a bit of background research themselves. They're supposed to be good at that sort of thing.

Commenting on O'Neil's degree and where McClean comes from shows your understanding of the issue, but how does this help the British public understand? It's okay to be academic about such issues, but think first about the realities which your last post seemed to ignore.

Well, it'd be great for all of us if everyone understood each other, but that's never going to be a reality. If the British public lack knowledge on a certain issue, it's not McClean's responsibility to educate them.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Be fair. The British public have always been generally ignorant on the subject of Ireland...

[Not Brazil]

Warren "Mini Ibrox" Feeney:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/f...feeney-1012325

A similar article in the Sunday Life caused quite a furore at the time.

The SL journalist, a staunch "Bluenose", was given poetic licence by Feeney to write the piece.

The IFA became directly involved - I understand Feeney was required to give an account.

I know this, as I was contacted by the IFA to profer an opinion on the issue, given a role I had at that time which involved close liason with the Community Relations Dept within the IFA.

Feeney was not best pleased, and it strained his, previously good, relationship with the journalist for a time.

Warren Feeney had no issues whatsoever playing with players from a different cultural background to himself.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Apart from when it comes to whether or not they choose to wear a poppy...

[Not Brazil]

This Cody fellah proves that James McClean has a point in not wearing a Poppy I suppose!

Yer Man Cody would seem to me to have some mental health issues.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/irishsun/irishsunnews/4653724/McClean-Twitter-thug-Provos-want-me-dead.html

What a knob.

[Not Brazil]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/f...feeney-1012325

"It's vital our fans get under Boruc's skin because he has proved that when he lets things get to him, he is prone to make the odd mistake"

To be fair, Warren called that one spot on.

Artur Boruc, Artur Boruc, Ulster's Number One.

Legend.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Surely that would, or should, be, Pat Jennings...

[ifk101]

Surely that would, or should, be, Pat Jennings...

You mean Shay Given .....

[Sullivinho]

Artur Boruc, Artur Boruc, Ulster's Number One.

Legend.

Aye, he made all the difference.

[Not Brazil]

Aye, he made all the difference.

Artur's howler in front of the Kop Stand at Windsor Park will never be forgotten to Northern Ireland fans.

Artur's a cult hero to us - fondly sung about on our travels.

Good call that was, Warren.

[boovidge]

Artur's howler in front of the Kop Stand at Windsor Park will never be forgotten to Northern Ireland fans.

Artur's a cult hero to us - fondly sung about on our travels.

Good call that was, Warren.

God, it must be desperate being a NI fan!

[co. down green]

Attempting to frame the refined and enlightened O'Neill of Kilrea, who passed up his law education at Queen's University in order to sign for Forest after an academic education at St. Columb's College, in the same boat simply wouldn't wash.

I thought Martin O'Neill went to my old school St. Malachy's In Belfast.

[Bucky-O'Hare]

I thought Martin O'Neill went to my old school St. Malachy's In Belfast.

I think he changed schools from St. Columbs to St. Malachy's or vice versa. He definitly went to both.