IRELAND INTERNATIONAL JAMES MCCLEAN has moved to defuse any potential controversy over his decision not to wear a shirt embroidered with a poppy by writing a letter to the Wigan chairman Dave Whelan explaining his reasons for not doing so.
This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the first World War and clubs will, like they do every year in the build-up to Remembrance Sunday, wear poppies on their shirts.
McClean, however, has once again decided not to partake in the commemorations and after becoming embroiled in controversy twelve months ago, decided to explain the reasons for his decision.
Minutes before Wigan’s game against Bolton Wanderers in the Championship this evening, the club released a statement on their website clarifying the 25-year-old’s standpoint.
McClean met with Whelan, the Latics’ owner and chairman, this week and the pair felt it would be right for the letter to be published before the game at the Macron Stadium.
“I have complete respect for those who fought and died in both World Wars – many I know were Irish-born. I have been told that your own Grandfather Paddy Whelan, from Tipperary, was one of those,” the letter said.
“I mourn their deaths like every other decent person and if the Poppy was a symbol only for the lost souls of World War I and II I would wear one.
“I want to make that 100% clear .You must understand this.”
McClean, who was named among the substitutes for the game, goes onto explain why it would be “an act of disrespect to my people” to wear a poppy.
“But the Poppy is used to remember victims of other conflicts since 1945 and this is where the problem starts for me.
“For people from the North of Ireland such as myself, and specifically those in Derry, scene of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, the poppy has come to mean something very different. Please understand, Mr Whelan, that when you come from Creggan like myself or the Bogside, Brandywell or the majority of places in Derry, every person still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest days in Ireland’s history – even if like me you were born nearly 20 years after the event. It is just a part of who we are, ingrained into us from birth.
“Mr Whelan, for me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially – as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII.
“It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.
“I am not a war monger, or anti-British, or a terrorist or any of the accusations levelled at me in the past. I am a peaceful guy, I believe everyone should live side by side, whatever their religious or political beliefs which I respect and ask for people to respect mine in return. Since last year, I am a father and I want my daughter to grow up in a peaceful world, like any parent.
“I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you’re a man you should stand up for what you believe in.”
Last year, the then Wigan manager Owen Coyle had to dispel claims that McClean had been left out of the match day squad for refusing to wear a poppy.
The former Derry City winger has been included in Martin O’Neill’s squad for next week’s Euro 2016 Qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park. He scored twice in the 7-0 victory over Gibraltar last month.
Well done sir.. Principled people are few and far between.
Fair play to him. Honest and balanced
If no issue with him not wearing a poppy but I’d wear one myself on remeberance day.
The whole month long festival in the UK is a bit over the top though.
Daft how annoyed people get.
Who is getting annoyed? Not the man himself.
I hear you David. I think we should devise something ourselves to wear to remember the fallen of WW1 WW2 and our peacekeepers. Obviously not the poppy though
Awful idea!
Daft how annoyed the British public seems to get.
The British empire was generally better than it’s contemporary peers but still up to it’s knees in blood and dead children. It’s the outraged tone that anyone could fail to have respect for the glorious sacrifice of their brave boys which is a bit hard to stomach.
The poppy is supposed to be about a quiet contemplation of how a war which wasn’t pointless, that was fought for a reasonable enough reason was an utter bloodbath. That while there may seem to be good reasons to go to war which should do absolutely everything we can to avoid doing so.
Never again.
Well done.
Poppy day Fascism has gone too far.
I still like the poppy. There are white poppies from the pacifist leagues since the 1920s if the perceived association with British militarism is off putting.
It has the added bonus of sending the kind of people who think the poppy is a celebration of glorious sacrifice of the British army into paroxysm of rage. Telegraph in particular.
Seanie – I totally agree with you – the brits and us deserve better than being forced to wear a mere flower
Legend! Never forgot his roots! Respect him 100%
David go down to the family in Craughwell who has one of their ancestors shot at her door while she was holding her child’s hand – shot dead in her own doorway by the British forces – wear a poppy if you like !
It should be about respect. No one should be forced to wear a symbol. For example, and i know it’s not about me, but I proudly wear a lily at Easter, even though nobody in my family fought in the war against the crown. I won’t wear a poppy, even though my great granddad fought in the BA in that war and survived and returned home, and I am proud of him even though I never knew him. We should be allowed show respect in our own way, and not have it dictated to us. Well said young McClean and keep concentrating on your football.
You should see the “New Rangers/Sevco” fans out on twitter after him. Neanderthals.
This man is s real hero
Ah let them stew in their own sectarian bile.
He is a young lad and has great balls. Respect to him massively
I love his balls too Stephen.
David, if it wasn’t pointless, what exactly did it achieve?
@Tom @Liam. Don’t you already have the Fuchsia doing the same job as the poppy for Irish ex-servicemen and women? http://oneconnect.ie
Fair play to him. Honest and respectful of all views.
Good man James. I’m sick of Irish people being pressured into wearing poppy’s.
Quite a lot of British people are sick of being pressured into wearing poppies too.
I abhore poppy fascists and poppy abusers in equal measure!
Irish people wearing Poppies never made sense.
If you want to wear something, then create a WW1 badge, but not a bloody Poppy.
It represents the nasty side of British history.
Quiet Seanie.
I’m sitting in complete silence bar the clacking of laptop keys.
More silence than those poor barstewards who died in their millions ever knew or who came back insane from it all.
All because Germany wanted a place in the Sun and France, Britain and Belgium said no we’re riding Sambo hard, feck off.
Your knowledge of ww1 is pathetic. Go read the war that ended peace.
Poppy haters are as bad the ones who go on about it.
You hate the Brits, and the orange order. Clear enough.
It represents the dead in ww1 in flanders feilds but has since gone over the top.
I would like to state that what these brave people did during ww1 and ww2 should never be forgotten but the British attuide to people not wearing a poppy is over the top.
I actually feel moved with the poppies in the tower of London to think that sea of red repsent a loss of life per poppy is something else.
When I see a poppy, I think of the murdering animals of Bloody Sunday who financially benefit from its sales.
Which is my point. It used to represent the men who fell for our freedom.
I wear the Easter Lily to honour the men and women who died for my freedom.
Freedom from what Tir? Died needlessly. More Irish have died fighting each other than against the rest of the UK in the “struggle” for independence that at the end of the day was achieved by legislative change. Then the keys were handed to a bunch of men in frocks. And a fine job since has been made of it. Post WWII austerity hit UK was a safe haven for thousands of Irish who fled the economic and cultural oppression of the new Irish State. Sacrifice lost.
Seanie, that is the second post in the last few months where you’ve used the ‘Sxxbo’ word. Let us all be clear, just because you think people used this word in the past, and I know people did, it does not make it right for you to trot it out in your posts. A racist word is a racist word. Got it?!
Freedom from our long time oppressors. Freedom to carve out our own place in this world as an independent and separate nation. Things were never gonna go smoothly once we achieved this, it wasn’t going to be paradise as soon as the British left, and it never will be. But we are trying to build a better future for everyone on this island, everyone of us is involved, not just the people in power. Things still aren’t great but tomorrow is another day.
I dont live in the 26 counties (as my username suggests). Ireland still has to win full independence but I wear the Easter Lily each year to remember those who have died trying to win it in every generation.
Exactly Paul, but worth remembering that there are 32 counties in Ireland so it’s wrong to speak about us having won independence. We’ve only won some of it. Six more counties still need their freedom.
Agreed, we still haven’t gained full independence. And it’s a fact that sits uncomfortably with many, especially people in the north.
I look forward to the day when it’s achieved.
But the 6 counties already are “free”. They are free to remain an integral part of the UK or free to leave if the majority wish. Joining the Republic south of the border wouldn’t be “freedom” nor “independence” for many in the province, across political/religious divides.
Why do you think I hate the “Brits”.
Of course I hate the Orange Order, why wouldn’t I. There are hated by many on all sides.
Fell for our freedom? WW1 was supposed to be about the rights of small nations, unless one of those small nations fell under the sway of one of the victors, in which case it meant nothing of the sort. Would we be any less or more free if the Germans had won WW1? The millions who died pointlessly and were sacrificed by their supposed betters should absolutely be remembered. We have a national commeration day that recognises all Irish personnel that died in all wars and on UN peacekeeping missions. The Poppy represents all British soldiers in all conflicts since 1914, including the Black and Tans and those involved in Bloody Sunday. They certainly didnt fall my freedom
Well done… Finally people might stop abusing the lad…. Would have been a lot easier to shut up and say nothing and wear it….its a relief to see some footballers still have some morals…I’m sure people wouldn’t like if we forced english people to wear Easter lillies
Fair play he is being respectful to all and being honest
All very rational reasonable and respectful of all sides, a difficult balance to strike. Anyone who has a problem with his views, it is exactly that…their problem.
Seems like a reasonable explanation. I think it’s great that British people don’t forget the people they respect, but I don’t think you should be almost forced into wearing a poppy if you appear on TV or play sport.
This BS comes around every year now. You would think the Brits would want to keep their war mongering quiet not display it like its something to be proud of.
It makes me laugh to see Irish people wearing poppies after all the innocent people killed by British army but I understand why some would wear it for a peaceful life.
Easter Lily instead then or what?
Jack I find it hard to believe you where in the U.S. military .
Not all of us think in black & white
A substantial amount of Irish gave the greatest of sacrifice in both WW1 & WW2 to ensure the very freedoms we take for granted. Its a personal choice to wear a poppy in remembrance, but as an Irish man we should neither feel pressured of persecuted for our decision.
So does the American tax office.
WW1.
Never have so many died at the hand of so few for so little.
We shall remember them at the setting of the Jam.
They were sheep to the slaughter, killed in a family feud between the Royal houses of Europe. It had nothing to do with freedom or rights or any thing nice. It was about trade and supremacy.
You are a disgrace seanie
Alan. WW1 was not about anything other than an imperialist land and resources dispute where millions of ordinary people were sent to the slaughter. I’m sick of people talking about WW1 as if if were a struggle against evil. WW1 is not WW2
Sweet jesus, you sound like one of them. Just remember the whole Ireland was occupied at the time of WW1 so we would have been just swapping one colonial power for another. Is that your version of Freedom?
Germany had no designs on occupying or making any part of Europe a sub section of it.
It is an incredible misrepresentation of history and fact to imagine that Germany was going to occupy us or any where else.
It as if people do not realize there was a difference between WW1 and WW2.
Seanie, which “Real” IRA lyrics sheet did you learn your history from?
I have yet to hear of any noted Historian suggesting that Germany wanted to conquer and control any other part of Europe, to make it part of a greater Empire in WW1.
Can you name one?
@cold war kid Interestingly (or perhaps not, given most of the comments here are just about peddling antagonistic snippets of ill informed nonsense) WW1 was more about an old fashioned struggle of good and evil than one would imagine. Arguably more so than WW2.
@Seanie I love your angry Journal comments, telling everyone how it is and showing us all how (half) informed you are! So balanced, unbiased and always on the button. More!
Sorry Bee I can’t agree with you there at all. Your theory would be contrary to the general historical analysis. Do you care to expand ? Struggling to even think of which side you consider good
I know many locals -( Tyrone -Derry )- who are proud to say their Grandfathers great uncles etc had fought in the first or Second World War on the Allied side- but the Brit army was on our streets for 30 years- they can be forgiven but they will never be forgotten-A Poppy is a Brit invader symbol-it is up to each person if they wear one or not-
Good man himself.
James mc clean. Legend. And has a set. Legend
Very well put – personally I think the poppy should represent the 2 world wars and not the north or the Falklands – I think we should also remember that the average joe in Britain at those times probably had more in common with us than the ruling elite of the empire in terms of how they were treated
And who would organise that?
Organise what?
Massive respect!
Brave lad to say what he thinks!!! I wish all these footballers could be the same.
In an age where we see the over indulgence of footballers and the lack of grounding and genuine common sense and perspective I feel that James McLean’s letter his explanation and thought process in doing so commands huge huge respect and bravery.
I’ m glad he did it not so much because he needed to explain himself but rather because his perspective might shine light on a terrible event to those that don’t understand that the British have not only suffered great losses in the two wars but have also perpetrated many terrible crimes against people the world over . So while,entitled to commemorate their war dead they must respect that we all have our own way of doing that and while some may choose to wear the poppy it is not a universal symbol or means for doing so. Well done James McLean
McClean is entitled to his opinion. The poppy raises funds for ex British forces. After ’72 how could he look his fellow Derry people in the eye if he was seen to support that cause? He has shown courage because he was and is always going to get abuse for his stance. I imagine there are lots of people in Britain who wear the poppy because they fear the reaction for not wearing it. The poppy gas been hijacked by British Nationalism
Maybe he didn’t want to be mistaken for an irish labour party supporter.
*I know its a rose*
You’re being bold now Paddy !
Sush!! Dont tell Joan. ;)
why would I do that – sure she wouldn’t listen at any rate !
They wear a red poppy over any other flower because it grows wild in many fields in northern France and Belgium. This is where some of the deadliest battles of World War One took place and many men died. Poppies are tough flowers, and can grow anywhere, but are also delicate. It is thought they are a fitting emblem to remember those who died.
Maybe they wear mushrooms to symbolise the futility of being fed shit and led blind to serve the reaping mongers!!
God Bless James McClean. He’s spot on.
What has sport got to get involved with commemorating war? Why can’t they just have a parade and leave it at that?
They all have them on the likes of Strictly and X factor too. Seems if you’re on the telly you have to wear the poppy no choice, no dissent which is the complete opposite of what the people killed during WW1 and 2 were fighting for.
Yawn
I admire the men,some from Ireland,who fought for peace,put that in your pipe-and smoke it!!
isn’t fighting for peace an oxymoron though ? – just askin’
If they joined to fight for peace then they were simplistic and went to a fools death.
They died so that Sambo could be made go down the mine to French, English and Belgian command rather than German.
Fought for peace, what a re-writing of history. Did you get that from the Sun or the BNP circular.
Fought for peace…… what a load of bull. Go read a book not the Daily Telegraph
The only peace the died for was a piece of Africa.
I live in the UK and have done for 7 years.
I choice not to wear one and no one has ever raised an eyebrow.
The real issue here is he is a Catholic from the north who decided to play for the republic!
That’s only really an issue for the IFA. And since they sat on their fat arses while Neil Lennon was receiving death threats … screw them.
The IFA leave the farmers out of it!!
Who mentioned farmers? It’s the independent financial advisers I’m after!
Thoughtful articulate and extremely well written bravo Sir, I still wait to see what the hacks at the Daily Mail come up with
Nobody should have to apologise for not wearing a poppy….absolutely ridiculous!
Personal choice. No problem. Get over it. But James be careful Enda might be round to throw an arm around you if ……. you will probably be ok
Enda is going nowhere near anyone who writes – “I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you’re a man you should stand up for what you believe in.” …he just wouldn’t understand the man !
He shouldn’t have to explain. ‘I didn’t want to’ should be enough.
Good for him!
If he could put himself on the map using his football ability rather than this he might be worth something. Sad attempt at attention seeking.
“Sad attempt at attention seeking”
Sums up your comments perfect
Hes playing at the level of his abilities.. Much like you are showing the level of your intellectual abilities.
Am I not entitled to an opinion or what?
Look, just because you’re into symbols of a British nature, doesn’t mean everyone else has to.
You should support your local team anyway.
I do
Is James not entitled to an opinion?
Maybe your facile attempts to accuse of him of mediocrity reflect more on yourself.
Yawn
James is entitled to an opinion as am I.
He is mediocre. Wasn’t a big loss to NI in all honesty.
You support your local team. But live in northern ireland and manchester….eh?
Cos Northern Ireland are crawling with good players aren’t they!
I think you are confusing opinion with prejudice.
You’re coming across as bitter Adrian.
NI are a good team, not crawling with superstars but a good team. Plenty of premiership players in their ranks.
You haven’t given an opinion ! All you tried to do is make smart snide comments that don’t work.
Bitter how Roland?
I did give an opinion, you might not like it and that’s OK.
United fan. Haven’t a breeze
Talk about attention seekers.
Says a Pool fan lol
That he chose his country instead of yours Adrian :)
Good that you acknowledge there’s two countries. You are welcome to him, we are for France. Why would we want a player that’s mediocre and doesn’t want to play for us anyway?
You’ve 11 mediocre players and the only way they’ll be heading to France is if Radio Ulster need some analysts and commentators :)
9 points from 9, only need to finish 2nd to qualify. We are the best small country on the planet in football terms, no Country our size has the same record.
Adrian, I know it’s Friday and you don’t have school in the morning but give mammy back the computer and go to bed. Good boy.
FO
Iceland only have 300,000 people. I’m sure there a bit better off than N.I. With 1.8 million.
I don’t think so mate.
A team with 6 times less population and ranked higher what is there to think. Anyway happy out with NI to be happy with being good for their size In qualification, I’m happy for us with double population to be in major tournaments.
Ahem…anyone checked the FIFA ranking lately? Northern Ireland are at 43. The Republic 61. Iceland are at 28 though – so Fifa think they’re better than both our teams.
He’s dead right, and his reasoning is spot on. Commemorating those that died in world wars is one thing but all those that died in the service of the Queen of England is an other thing altogether. It’s absolutely disgusting that he should be singled out for his p
olitical viewpoint. Funny how football is apolitical except on this issue. Freedom is what these boys died for, who else is the irony not lost on?
What about the rest of irish players playing in UK who wear a poppy?think mc clean just bein a dick
Pot kettle
What about the white poppy ?
Not many of them from Creggan or the Bogside. You don’t have a clue.
Should wear a syringe to represent all the extra heroin that’s derived from the poppy fields of Afskagastan since the war on secularism kicked off!!
Did you bother reading the article Stevie
Stevie try reading the article
“What about the rest of irish players playing in UK who wear a poppy?think mc clean just bein a dick”
Not many of them are from a city that saw the army the poppy represents kill it’s civilians in recent times.
Recent times?
42 years ago lol
God save the queen
I admire him taking a stand against the distorted idealised remembrance of war but I feel him singling out Bloody Sunday does a slight injustice and does make him sound like just another republican kid with a chip on his shoulder, dragging up past events that they weren’t around for, All of the acts of terror carried out in Northern Ireland by all sides should be the very reason. I can’t understand how anyone can be peaceful and wear a poppy but hey the world is full of contradictions!
Just like your statement !!! I admire him for making a stand
Bet you live nowhere near
Live 8 miles from Derry so I know what he is talking about.
@ Gerbeen I live on the border as a matter of fact, and I agree with his stance but just felt he should be including all atrocities and not singling out one incident, there’s no monopoly on war and everyone has suffered, and the majority of folk want to move on and have a more worldly view instead of still basing their identity of the wrongdoings of the past.
He doesn’t what to commemorate people who killed members of his community, just because they were from that community.
The jingoism and re-writing of history about WW1 is overdone.
Sally, the poppy raises funds for former british soldiers, nobody else. So it’s not as simplistic as “he’s just singling out one side”. Bloody Sunday was THE watershed moment in the conflict but where I do agree with you is in saying that you are right in saying why single out just one. There were countless atrocities carried out by british troops in the six counties that he could have referred to. I was born and raised and lived my whole life in Tyrone and grew up experiencing first hand, along with my family, the quite literally DAILY abuse, harassment, threats and intimidation, raids etc by the heavily armed terrorist gunmen of the british army. I’ll never forget those experiences and when I think of people donating to a poppy appeal which will financially benefit the very same british army individuals that verbally, physically and phycologically abused me and my family (others weren’t so lucky, like Aidan McAnespie, murdered by a British soldier from the safety of a checkpoint watchtower, just for walking to his local GAA club), would turn my stomach. They can shove their poppy appeal and utter shame on any Irishman or woman that contributes to it.
‘Dragging up a past they weren’t around for’? But isn’t that what the poppy does exactly?
McAnespie was an IRA man
True words Tyrone Gael.
Shot walking along the road !! No evidence he was
Hopefully thejournal.ie will have the decency to remove such a disgraceful comment defaming a deceased innocent murder victim, shot in the back as he walked to a football match.
He was an IRA man as was his brother
Proof? None? Big brave man to defame murder victim aren’t you.
Adrian, you’ve really covered yourself in glory with that comment. Aidan McInespie was never in the IRA. He was an innocent young man shot in the back by a British soldier, a crime still covered up to this day.
How many victims did the IRA create? The McAnespie family were IRA, he was took out by people he was trying to murder on a regular basis.
Don’t you get smart with me either ok.
Was his killing wrong Roland?
Evidence? Or shall you continue to be a liar and a coward?
Can you prove it !!!!
And as for your comment on the IRA ‘creating victims’, maybe a quick history lesson is in order.
The first british soldier killed (Hugh McCabe in 1969) was killed by the RUC. Tthe first RUC officer to be killed (Constable William Arbuckle) was killed by loyalists. The first sectarian killings (of John Scullion and Peter Ward) were carried out by the UVF. The first bombings (in 1969) were carried out by loyalists and the first of almost a thousand state killings (of Sammy Devenney, in front of his family; and of nine-year-old Patrick Rooney) were carried out by the RUC. I supppse Sammy and Patrick were in the IRA too though in your cowardly twisted mind?
Can you prove he wasn’t?
Tie Eoghain Gael don’t bother about the Man U fan
He was in the IRA because you say so? Sure we were all in the IRA at once stage, weren’t we lads?!!! You’re a tit Adrian.
This is like banging my head against a brick wall. Goodnight ya defeated shower of fools.
I’ll be wearing my poppy with pride.
Can I prove he wasn’t?! Ever heard of the ‘burdern of proof’? That most basic and fundamental legal concept, which dictates that if you make an accusation, then the burden of proof it lies with you, the accuser. It’s there so that accusations have to be based on actual evidence, not just based on hatred, bogotry and cowardice.
So again, any proof of the accusation you bravely have made about a deceased murder victim?
Wear it on your head for target practice!!
His brother tried to murder an off duty UDR soldier, are you aware of that?
Adrian: *states gross lie*
Everyone: “prove it”
Adrian: “Em, I’m off to bed”
Target practice? What are you hinting at big man? Grow balls and say it.
And that makes Aidan an IRA member? Come on you can do better than that. I suppose Enda Kenny’s brother is the Taoiseach, because Enda himself is?
He was part of the republican movement. SF/IRA.
Why did they write a song about him?
Repeating your claim that he was in the IRA isn’t proof.
Many innocent murder victims have songs written in memory of them. How does that prive he was an IRA member you imbecile. My niece wrote a song about her late cat, does that constitute proof that the cat was in the IRA too?
Come on now, you made a cowardly claim about a deceased murder victim. So man up and put forward the proof.
They made a song about him because he was somebody, no other victim down there had songs about them apart from shot IRA members like the boys at Drumnakilly and Coalisland etc.
Are you aware of his brother Vincent McAnespie?
Well said Tir Eoghain Gael. Well done to Omagh beating Crossmaglen in the Ulster quarter.
There are coubyless songs about innocent victims. And again, you are confusing two brothers. You said Aidan was in the IRA, not Vincent. So, again I say: prove it.
I’m not an omagh man but still good to see a tyrone club progress in ulster club for a change John! Lol
He was SF/IRA, two sides of the same coin. Why won’t you acknowledge his terrorist brother?
You do realise that if your brother steals a packet of sweeties, that that doesn’t make YOU a shoplifter too?
I’m not talking about his brother because you made the claim about Aidan and so his brother is nothing to do with it. He was not responsible for his brothers actions nor vice versa. If your brother killed someone, would you accept it if the police charged you with murder instead of your brother because ye are related to the real culprit? That that has to be spelt out to you is amazing.
You made a claim about AIDAN. So, prove it.
Relax poppet, ‘wear a flower in your hair’, a lily even!!
After that the first RUC officer killed in the troubles was in Clady Co Tyrone by the West Tyrone Brigade.
Adrian I think your Jamesy x police officer or x UDR or x prison officer
Wha?
He was SF/IRA I already stated that. Get over it, at least he wasn’t able to murder any more innocent Protestants in Tyrone.
Yes you already stated that he was in the IRA. Repeatedly. You could also state that he was Santa Clause or that he had wings and could fly. Just because you state something, that doesn’t therefore make it true. You have to provide the proof. Seriously what age are you like?
So yet again I ask you. Provide the PROOF.
Yeah Tyrone team never seem to count in the Ulster championship.
Yes Sean Healy if you’d read what I wrote I don’t agree with wearing the poppy. There are a new section of irish/British society that likes to look outward and not lace their identity by the blood of the past regardless of whose name the atrocities have being committed in. I admire James mc clean for taking a stand but it will be of course hijacked by insular republicans who want to keep that chip on our shoulders by dragging up the past. Think bigger!
You waste a lot of energy on things that have no bearing in today’s society, breathe in breathe out brother!;)
Adrian you have serious issues. I pity you.
Fair to play to James, he is right publishing this letter, it’s a pity the FAI wouldn’t ask Anthony Stokes to explain in writing what he was doing at a memorial for murdered Real IRA leader Alan Ryan two years ago – bearing in mind the RIRA were responsible for the Omagh bomb – one of the worst atrocities here ever. He doesn’t deserve to wear the green jersey and those in the FAI (who did a minutes silence for the Omagh victims and plenty of speeches condemning it) should never have put the likes of that on their squad. Disgraceful. Stokes is clearly not a man of peace like McClean.
The poppy has sadly moved on from a remembrance of those brave people who died in WW1, a reminder of the futility of it, and a warning to all of “never again” to represent British soldiers killed in all military campaigns.
I’d have no problem wearing one if it represented the former, but absolutely will not wear one specifically because of the latter.
I think James McClean expresses similar sentiments, and expresses them well.
Also its worth reading the thoughts of a British soldier from WW1 around the “poppy fascism”
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/08/poppy-last-time-remembrance-harry-leslie-smith
This anti – British ignorant nonsense gets trotted out every year. “Bloody Sunday?” Yawn. Australians, Kiwis, Canadians and most of the rest of the Western world recognise that remembering the often pointless sacrifice of ordinary soldiers is important. But some Irish have to be different and make a show just to show how they’re not British. If you don’t want to wear a poppy, don’t. But get over yourself, it’s not all about you.
Well considering the abuse he got for not wearing one last year he is fully right to explain himself this time around without being accused of making it all about him.
“Bloody Sunday? Yawn”.
Classy man.
Bernard I live in Australia, they are fantastic at remembering those that fell in WW1. Most of it is focused on Gallipoli where a young Churchill made a calamitous mistake and sent thousands to their slaughter, a massive gamble so he could make a name for himself.
Many Australian historians now have the confidence, without fear of reprisal, to question it all. Gallipoli was strategically chosen as the battle to remember so anybody questioning the stupidity and futility of the battle would be ostracised and considered traitors.
The Australian government led by Billy Hughes went into damage limitation as they made a monumental #### up sending those kids to the slaughter.
I have attended dawn services for those that fell but a sense of depression comes over me as it was a complete waste of life.
As for James McClean, good on him for being his own man and making up his own mind rather than being told to put up and shut up.
Gallipoli fail because of the military commanders blunders . It was a military failure cause they they didn’t have momentum and determination to succeed.
“If you don’t want to wear a poppy, don’t.”
If only if it was that simple Bernard…
He should ware one. It’s stupid and outmoded thinking.
How grossly simplistic Duirmuid. And that’s just you attempt at spelling a basic four letter word (“wear”, for future reference). Forgive me, therefore, for not paying much heed on the idiocy of the point you’re trying to make. Then again, maybe you genuinely believe that the men who butchered innocent people in Ireland/Argentina/Iraq/Afghanistan etc deserve to have Irishmen support them financially once their terrorising days are over. In which case, I really, honestly pity your naivety.
Like many all over Ireland and quite a large few in Britain I think the Poppy is stupid and outmoded thinking.
Tyrone Gael you are just a bigoted anti-British fool. I feel sorry for you in a way because you are shouting really loud but nobody can hear you.
You defame a deceased murder victim, with zero evidence to support your pathetic lies, and yet I’m the bigot? You’re coward and a disgrace.
And you’re an anti-British bigot.
Adrian, you’ve called an innocent British army murder victim a terrorist? Journal should be taking these lies down, shame on you McBride, showing your true colours tonight.
Go and tell the Journal on me then. Wee grass.
Nice one adrian.had a good laugh reading your comments
2 fools. Bottom feeding trolls.
Good man James. In – what appears to the average Joe Soap – the bloated, material world of the modern day professional footballer, it is refreshing to see a man of morals and integrity stick his neck out like that. This was a deed that took a lot of courage and deserves respect.
What a plonker
Oh for god sake the guy has come out and said he doesn’t want to wear a poppy . It’s hardly a life changing decision. You either want to wear one or you don’t . There’s no pressure to wear one and most people in the UK don’t wear one . I did 20 odd yrs in the military and I don’t wear one but I do give a large donation to the British legion as they help me in the past . The poppy donation in Ireland has tripled in the last 10 yrs and any donations stays in Ireland for Irish veterans. The guy plays football for a living and probably never work a days work in his life like the rest of us . He s getting all this praise likes he s some sort of hero .
James McClean is a Derry and Ireland legend. Stick your poppies up yer hole.
Shouldn’t matter if he wears one Brian O’Driscoll wears one, and know one cares. Shouldn’t be an issue
What else would you expect from that.
Perhaps I am missing the point here but how does he reconcile his anti English viewpoint with being happy to earn a living by playing for an English football team.
If he is so anti English how cone he is prepared to earn a nice living playing for an English team?
Why is he prepared to play and earn a nice living by playing for an English team if he is anti English then?