WEST BROMWICH ALBION midfielder James McClean has admitted that he experienced a “dark time” last season, revealing that his confidence was “shattered” as a result of the abuse directed at him.
The Republic of Ireland international has endured a barrage of criticism in previous years for his decision not to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day and he conceded that it had a “massive effect” on his game in the past.
However, the 26-year-old explained that he has now become accustomed to it and said that the abuse even “spurs [him] on” to perform better.
“Last season was a difficult time,” McClean said in an interview with the Derry Journal.
“It was a dark time for me. I just want to let the football do the talking now and get people to stop focusing on my actions off the field and get back to talking about what I can do on the field.
A few years ago when I started getting abuse, it had a massive effect on me in terms of how I was playing.
“It shattered my confidence but I’ve got used to that now and it doesn’t bother me as much. If anything, it spurs me on.”
The former Derry City midfielder added: “As long as I impress the fans of the club I play for, then that’s all that matters.
“I’m not stupid enough to believe I’m going to change people’s perceptions of me. I’m certainly not going to lose any sleep over it. I expect the abuse and I’m well used to it by now.”
McClean became a figure of controversy when he switched international allegiance from Nothern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland in 2012, but his decision to not wear a poppy on his jersey has triggered a much more extreme reaction, with the player receiving death threats on more than one occasion.
In 2015, the former Wigan Athetic midfielder found himself further embroiled in controversy for responding to ‘God Save the Queen’ – the national anthem of the United Kingdom – by bowing his head during a pre-season friendly in the United States.
McClean suggested that his actions will continue to be blown out of proportion, citing “a two-second altercation” with an Everton supporter which, he says, became “this big spat”.
“Last Saturday (against Everton) was a prime example when any small action I do, on or off the field, is going to be picked up by the media and the papers are going to make it a lot bigger of a story than it should be,” said the Derry native.
On Saturday, there was a two-second altercation with a fan which, in my eyes, was nothing and then it’s in the papers as this big spat.
“Any opportunity they get, like on Remembrance Day, they’re going to bring my name up and it’s like water off a duck’s back now.”
McClean is no shrinking violet and continues to voice his opinions, on all things, on social media, which has got him into trouble in the past.
Here’s his latest offering.
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Good man jamesy
A legend for being brave enough not to wear the poppy. Easy option would be go along with the charade but he has the balls not to. Top man.
Quite right. Unlike Roy Keane. He bowed to the pressure. Was disgusted by that.
Keane wasn’t as affected personally as McClean. He didn’t lose anyone close to him due to the troubles.
Plenty of Irish wear the poppies so I’m not sure why you singled out Roy Keane.
An Irish person disgusted by Keane’s decision to wear the poppy is no better than a British person’s disgust at McClean’s decision not to. You’re projecting your own point of view onto a player and trying force them to make a political statement they aren’t interested. Two sides of the same coin.
I witnessed first hand the abuse he received at the fa cup tie between West Bromwich and Peterborough. Some of the stuff was just complete racism, but due to the fact that he’s supposedly being disrespectful towards the brits war dead a blind eye is turned. I took issue with this and explained about his charitable side but to say the two blokes were brain dead would be an understatement. If he was black there would be uproar.
Under UK ‘diversity and equality legislation’ McClean would have a case to an action against the FA for its failure to protect him from discrimination and bullying in the workplace.
The FA aren’t his employers
Nor are they in charge of security at matches
‘Employers’ have a responsibility to protect workers from 3rd party abuse. The FA mightn’t be his employer but they enforce the rules. Probably the clubs could also be liable.
No, it’s actually the clubs that are liable. FA don’t hire the security and ground staff. They employ the ref and linesmen though. Remember the issue in Scotland about referees safety a few years back? That’s the law you’re referring to. Who would sue their own club? There is no case against the FA as they issue guidelines to be followed by other peoples employees
He is entitled to his views
This lad does himself no favours
You’re right Peter, if he was black there would be uproar. Respect McClean, he could take the easy route and just wear it but stood up for what he believed in, admirable quality.
In a time when most footballers are so bland and afraid to express any opinion for fear of standing out, it’s refreshing to see mcclean stand up for his principles when it would be much easier just to go with the flow. Much respect to him!
He brings it all on himself tbf. Have no sympathy for him he is a gurrier got away with a disgusting tackle against Dembele a few weeks back and that one against Bournemouth even more reckless & stupid. He is a loose Cannon
A “loose canon”, you got anything original to say about him or you just regurgitating comments from every other James related 42 article?
Proud of you James McClean! When you’re expected to wear the poppy without personal choice that’s ‘poppy fascism’ to me!