James McClean refuses to wear a poppy
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Sunderland's Derry born midfielder James McClean refused to wear a poppy today for personal reasons,
He's been getting an absolute hammering in the local media up here (who have broken away from farmer helps lamb give birth stories) to cover it and from a lot of his own fans.
I think it's a decision best left to him and being from where he is, I totally understand his decision not to wear one but I've been surprised by the hammering he's getting locally.
He's been getting an absolute hammering in the local media up here (who have broken away from farmer helps lamb give birth stories) to cover it and from a lot of his own fans.
I think it's a decision best left to him and being from where he is, I totally understand his decision not to wear one but I've been surprised by the hammering he's getting locally.
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good on him for refusing to wear one. football players shouldnt be forced into wearing a poppy.
People aren't forced to wear them. He simply chose not to wear one.
Just how it's reported but I agree.
He lost a family member around Bloody Sunday I believe (though don't take my word) so I totally understand why he chose not to. I don't think O'Neill wore one either
But as others have alluded, we surely fought not to be stuck in a draconian society that forces these edicts upon someone
Most of us are very happy to wear a poppy in remembrance of all our fallen in the line of duty and great service to our country over the years and it is a statement that so many in this country choose to wear it.
But the moment it is almost thought of as compulsory for folk to wear a poppy no matter their beliefs, or more particularly where they are from, then it begins to lose its significance.
I could get deep and go into our troops fighting to preserve freedom, say against the rather alternative German outlook in the 2nd World War, but whatever, this is just wrong in my view,,,
99% of people hammering him have no idea!
I buy one every year and wear it, but would never vilify someone for choosing not to.
Im fully behind remembrance sunday for the world wars but i can't condone other actions in Northern Ireland and i don't see why anyone who was directly affected by it would wish to wear the poppy, given its more universal significance.
Yes.
Interestingly during the live coverage of Ireland-SA today on BBC2 Ketih Wood was wearing a poppy but not Brian O'Driscoll (both were pundits sat in the studio with Gabby).
I'm not surprised that you are the person bringing this up. You seem to revel in sensationalism adversely affecting a certain religious/national persuasion.
The Irish and British people have come a long, long way. Respect is at its very core. Personal choice is the right of every individual from both nations. It would appear that there are deep seated reasons for McClean's attitude. Bearing in mind that he chose to play for Ireland and labelled Catholics that say they want to play for N Ireland as 'liars', I thought most of us weren't that bothered about his choices.
Footballer chooses Ireland over NI. Footballer doesn't wear a poppy - BIG DEAL!! :mad:
I don't believe that he did and would be surprised if he did not wear one. Are you from NI by any chance? Rangers supporter?
no and the total opposite from a pro British nationalist!
But don't other people also have the right to criticise him?
No, not really.
Why should he be criticised? Are people criticised walking down the street with no poppy?