if stephen kelly had chosen libya there would be no harsh feelings on my part, same with eamonn zayed.
The Ireland scenario is different though. The case has been made before: if, say, a Polish person was brought up his whole life I would have absolutely no problem if he chose them over us. It's the individual's choice and that choice should be respected. I wouldn't like being told I should play for one country over another by someone who didn't even know me.
My concerns are global. I reject absolutely revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method, is love. I love you Sheriff Truman.
if stephen kelly had chosen libya there would be no harsh feelings on my part, same with eamonn zayed.
any player. i can understand this feeling that james mccarthy has, i have Ukrainian roots, came to ireland in the late 50's, and even though I haven't been submersed in the culture or anything i would still feel some sort of bond, i can just imagine the impact of a grandfather telling his grandson about his homeland would have.
I think the McCarthy case is complicated by the sectarian issue. If a Scots born player elected to play for Italy or Bolivia I dont think there would be anything like the same level of hostility and passion. But there again what would people here do if there was a United Irish team and an NI born player chose to play for England or Scotland?
What a stupid older boy Ally Ross is.I assume mr Ross has had some education even to achieve the status of tabloid journalist.It goes to show a supposedly educated man can still be a moron.
Scotland would be much better asking why as a society these two young footballers did not identify with the scottish nation if one exists(i believe that it does)
It is so much easier to lash out that to have a look at ones own short comings and to rectify them
Last edited by seanfhear; 19/10/2008 at 11:13 AM.
The reference to "Scottish politeness" and how English fans might have reacted to a similar situation is particularly bizzare. As far as I can recollect Aldridge, Larwenson, Townend et al were never subjected to any fan or media abuse and niether were the numerous English-born Scottish internationals like Bob Wilson, Bruce Rioch, David Speedie. Presumambly Ross regared these as shameful turncoast who should never have been allowed to don the blueshirt.
Loud boos for McCarthy today from the Rangers fans every time he gets the ball.
Apparently the Rangers fans changed the words of the famine song to sing:
Why don't you go home,
why don't you go ho-o-ome,
James McCarthy, why don't you home.
They wouldn't be booing him if he chose any other country but Ireland yet they say they're not anti-Irish.
Anyone see the game? Howd he play?
a significant section don't boo GSTQ and a small minority of Rangers fans support England.
What is the problem here, It is up to him to play for who he wants, why fans boo, I do not know, You do not see any Irish boo any Irish players that played for other nations.
Kieran Bracken (English scrum half) got booed off the pitch at Lansdowne Road because he had played schoolboy rugby for Ireland. Different codes I know but it was still Irish fans at Lansdowne Road. And how many times have we heard Rangers players being roundly booed at Irish international soccer games at Landowne Road??!! Several times from my recollection
I find that disgraceful when the fans do that, I always feel ashamed, cause Celtic and Rangers are British clubs and nothing to do with Ireland in my opinion despite the creation, just because they setup by an Irish priest, does not make them Irish.
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