There’s now a sense of regret in the air from some of his former team-mates that they didn’t speak out and stand beside McClean over the last decade, since his stance of not wearing the poppy on his shirt every November turned him into a hate figure for many.
Former Ireland team-mate David Meyler said he was “actually lost for words looking at James McClean’s Instagram”. A random follower picked up on Meyler’s indignation and asked why Meyler did not speak out before, or else show solidarity by also shunning the poppy. “Honestly, I was to afraid to get involved. I stood by and watched a friend & teammate get abused time after time and thought to myself I don’t want that aimed towards me and my family,” Meyler responded on Twitter.
Threat to burn James McClean s home and family may be tipping point in fight against anti-Irish abuse independent.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from independent.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Stoke City vow to bring the perpetrators to justice after vile online abuse of McClean
The Republic of Ireland winger and his wife have highlighted the ‘anti-Irish abuse’ and threats they have received. By Emma Duffy Tuesday 16 Feb 2021, 3:48 PM Feb 16th 2021, 3:48 PM 2,928 Views 1 Comment
James McClean.
Image: PA
STOKE CITY HAVE offered further support to Republic of Ireland international James McClean, condemning the vile online abuse and threats he has been subjected to.
The Potters say they “will continue to work with the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” following on from statements from the Football Association of Ireland [FAI] and England’s Professional Footballers’ Association [PFA] last night.