James McClean

[Carshalton Blue]

Whats your thoughts on James McClean refusing to wear a poppy on his club shirt?

 

He's got every right to refuse to wear the poppy imo thats what freedom & democracy brings, saying that i think he's a vile prick for the way he behaves.

 

Lets not forget he's been photographed while at Wigan wearing an IRA badge on his tracksuit.

 

Turned his back on our national anthem while representing the ENGLISH club he plays for while on tour in the USA last pre-season.

 

He cant have it both ways, he's happy to live & work in England with our Royal family at the helm & happy to accept English money with the Queens head on, he's a hypocrite & should f@ck off back to Ireland if he feels that strongly about his past & where he comes from in Londonderry.

 

He claims if the poppy just represented the two world wars he'd happily wear the poppy, so in his eyes any Irish Catholics that have died while fighting for the British army since 1945 dont count then?

 

 

[Zeta]

I think he's entitled to do what he wants, and it's pointless getting wound up about it.

[dkw]

He's a prick, if he hates the English that much then f**k of out of our league and stop being paid by us.the thick twat doesn't even understand the meaning of the poppy.

Edited October 19, 2015 by dkw

[Droogba]

I think it's ok to choose not to wear one but by that token he should not wear another emblem. Fine not to hold with the national anthem, but back turning in a step too far for me.

He's a little hypocritical and lacking quite a bit of intelligence in my view.

Smacks of teenage, rebellious type behaviour, not really thought through.

[Boyne]

As others have written if he chooses not to wear a poppy that is his choice. As CB and Droogba have pointed out he is hypocritical especially when he lives in this country and is paid with English money. 

 

The poppy is not a political symbol and is purely a sign of remembrance for those who have served in the armed forces and conflicts since World War One. People from all walks of life and with all sorts of religious, political etc beliefs wear poppies and with pride. James McLean cites events in Londonderry, especially Bloody Sunday, as the reasons for not wearing a poppy. As CB has stated, Irish Catholics from both sides of the border have served and still serve in the British Armed forces.

 

James McClean has escaped an FA charge for his behaviour on Sunday. Another example of FA hypocrisy.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34575996

[Barry Bridges]

He can do as he pleases but he is such a hypocrite that anyone who thinks he is a man of principles should get their cheque book out because I have a bridge to sell you.....

[peanutheadrammy]

Lol patriotism

[Zola]

He's happy to ply his trade in a country he doesnt respect, earning and spending money with the queen's head on it, which he doesnt respect.

He's just a bigot who is as thick as pig sh*t....that's all.

If he wasnt a footballer he'd be one of those arseholes that throws stones at police.

Edited October 20, 2015 by Zola

[ForeverCarefree]

He's a bit of a tit isn't he? 

[Jones1905]

Zola nailed it on the head... 

[g3.7]

I'm not sure how politicised he actually is, but I see no hypocrisy in his actions and don't have an issue with them.

 

our national anthem is a joke in every conceivable way in my opinion. musically it is rubbish, but more importantly, the notion of asking someone I don't believe exists to protect something I don't believe should exist is absolutely ludicrous in my eyes. it is an anthem that has nothing to do with british spirit or values  and everything to do with being a 'subject' who knows ones place. I don't think he needs to turn his back on the anthem but I also don't care that he has chosen to do so.

 

he may well represent an english club but the ideas of 'representation' of and of  'clubs' puts me in mind of something pure and I associate with amateur sports and the original ideas about olympic values. premier league clubs, probably without exception, are no longer focal points of communities with any desire to make some sort of social contribution. they are large, powerful companies, mainly foreign owned and are in place to siphon off as much money from football supporters as they possibly can. They are cartels, and mcclean is merely an employee. he represents no-one but himself if you look at things from the outside of the bubble that we, as football supporters, are all a part of.

 

I don't understand the point about money having the queens head on it. If I opposed Elgar's music would I by a hypocrite to take twenty pound notes? would I have to go around with my score asking bemused onlookers for two tenners? surely you can be a part of a society and object to certain parts of it without being a hypocrite? from the vast amount of research I have undertaken my understanding is that mcclean wasn't personally consulted in the design of english money.

 

I wear a poppy but I accept that some don't want to-  many of the lives lost were given in the fight against facism. If we truly oppose those values, then we have to accept views we don't agree with.

 

mcclean owes this nation nothing other than whatever he gets taxed. 

Edited October 20, 2015 by g3.7

[Droogba]

Surely he owes something if only acknowedgement of freedom of expression which he wouldn't have in, say, China, or Saudi.

Our anthem is not great and while we're at it our flag is not the most attractive imho.

[g3.7]

if you have a right to something you don't need to ask for permission, and in exercising that right you tacitly are acknowledging its existence.  

 

also I'd make this small point- many many many lives have been negatively affected by the colonial and imperialistic tendencies of Britain, historically speaking. I- as someone who identifies as english and british- feel on incredibly unsure ground asking the irish (for example) to be thankful for any benefit they might now have from living or working here. IMO it is basically a fact that the relative cultural and economic strength we have is built on spilled blood and upon debts that are practically and actually impossible to pay. 

Edited October 20, 2015 by g3.7

[NorthernMonkey]

our national anthem is a joke in every conceivable way in my opinion. musically it is rubbish

So what do you suggest as an alternative to this traditional style tune?

A sporting anthem maybe?

A bit of Rap?

A Stock Aitken & Waterman key change perhaps?

I see no problem with the music, at least it's not wishy-washy crap like many.

The words are, of course, outdated to today.

[bluedave]

So what do you suggest as an alternative to this traditional style tune?

A sporting anthem maybe?

A bit of Rap?

A Stock Aitken & Waterman key change perhaps?

I see no problem with the music, at least it's not wishy-washy crap like many.

The words are, of course, outdated to today.

 

I hate our National Anthem. Words that mean nothing to me and a horrible, dour durge of a tune.

 

As an alternative, I'd like to suggest Old Ned.

 

[PloKoon13]

I would have no qualms whatsoever with Akala writing the new national anthem (although it might be a little fast to sing along to)

[yorkleyblue]

 

That would work!

[Zola]

I'm not sure how politicised he actually is, but I see no hypocrisy in his actions and don't have an issue with them.

our national anthem is a joke in every conceivable way in my opinion. musically it is rubbish, but more importantly, the notion of asking someone I don't believe exists to protect something I don't believe should exist is absolutely ludicrous in my eyes. it is an anthem that has nothing to do with british spirit or values and everything to do with being a 'subject' who knows ones place. I don't think he needs to turn his back on the anthem but I also don't care that he has chosen to do so.

he may well represent an english club but the ideas of 'representation' of and of 'clubs' puts me in mind of something pure and I associate with amateur sports and the original ideas about olympic values. premier league clubs, probably without exception, are no longer focal points of communities with any desire to make some sort of social contribution. they are large, powerful companies, mainly foreign owned and are in place to siphon off as much money from football supporters as they possibly can. They are cartels, and mcclean is merely an employee. he represents no-one but himself if you look at things from the outside of the bubble that we, as football supporters, are all a part of.

I don't understand the point about money having the queens head on it. If I opposed Elgar's music would I by a hypocrite to take twenty pound notes? would I have to go around with my score asking bemused onlookers for two tenners? surely you can be a part of a society and object to certain parts of it without being a hypocrite? from the vast amount of research I have undertaken my understanding is that mcclean wasn't personally consulted in the design of english money.

I wear a poppy but I accept that some don't want to- many of the lives lost were given in the fight against facism. If we truly oppose those values, then we have to accept views we don't agree with.

mcclean owes this nation nothing other than whatever he gets taxed.

Interesting points.

McClean shouldn't make a fuss or visibly be defiant to the world when the anthem is played though.... how hard is it to stand emotionless.... he's made his fortune from within British society, and he should have a bit of respect.....and the poppy saga, I dont give much of a sh*t about it.... but its clear he's just a bigoted knob end who likes to make a scene. If Michael Ballack, Robert Huth etc can wear a poppies on their shirt, so can he...

Edited October 21, 2015 by Zola

[g3.7]

So what do you suggest as an alternative to this traditional style tune?

A sporting anthem maybe?

A bit of Rap?

A Stock Aitken & Waterman key change perhaps?

I see no problem with the music, at least it's not wishy-washy crap like many.

The words are, of course, outdated to today.

Jerusalem.

Better music.

Words by one of our best artists.

Also the content is vague enough to be open to different interpretations.

[PloKoon13]

To be perfectly honest the bigger issue for me is how terrible James McClean is at football.

 

I don't think this is a particularly big deal; we live in a free society and thus he's free to do whatever he pleases. I suppose the other side of that is that everyone else is equally free to criticise him for doing so.

[carrickblue]

He's happy to ply his trade in a country he doesnt respect, earning and spending money with the queen's head on it, which he doesnt respect.

He's just a bigot who is as thick as pig sh*t....that's all.

If he wasnt a footballer he'd be one of those arseholes that throws stones at police.

 

whatever Irish republicans hate about Britain it isn't our money - I do think it'd be better to just ignore this guy as he seems to revel in the publicity

 

not respecting a national flag that is being flown in recognition that the club you play for is a British club is just pathetic but thankfully people like JMcC are a tiny minority of Irish people. Most Irish people living in Britain are happy to contribute to British life and live in the present without always harping on about past injustices, of which there have been many inflicted on all sides

[Carshalton Blue]

I'm not sure how politicised he actually is, but I see no hypocrisy in his actions and don't have an issue with them.

 

our national anthem is a joke in every conceivable way in my opinion. musically it is rubbish, but more importantly, the notion of asking someone I don't believe exists to protect something I don't believe should exist is absolutely ludicrous in my eyes. it is an anthem that has nothing to do with british spirit or values  and everything to do with being a 'subject' who knows ones place. I don't think he needs to turn his back on the anthem but I also don't care that he has chosen to do so.

 

he may well represent an english club but the ideas of 'representation' of and of  'clubs' puts me in mind of something pure and I associate with amateur sports and the original ideas about olympic values. premier league clubs, probably without exception, are no longer focal points of communities with any desire to make some sort of social contribution. they are large, powerful companies, mainly foreign owned and are in place to siphon off as much money from football supporters as they possibly can. They are cartels, and mcclean is merely an employee. he represents no-one but himself if you look at things from the outside of the bubble that we, as football supporters, are all a part of.

 

I don't understand the point about money having the queens head on it. If I opposed Elgar's music would I by a hypocrite to take twenty pound notes? would I have to go around with my score asking bemused onlookers for two tenners? surely you can be a part of a society and object to certain parts of it without being a hypocrite? from the vast amount of research I have undertaken my understanding is that mcclean wasn't personally consulted in the design of english money.

 

I wear a poppy but I accept that some don't want to-  many of the lives lost were given in the fight against facism. If we truly oppose those values, then we have to accept views we don't agree with.

 

mcclean owes this nation nothing other than whatever he gets taxed. 

Some valid points raised there.

 

Like i said everyone has to right to choose NOT to wear a poppy, thats what 1000s died for, to give us the freedom & democracy to decide for ourselves.

However its about respect & that goes with the national anthem as well, if you choose to live & work in a country then you should also have the decency to show respect to that countries traditions & beliefs(the national anthem)

 

How many Argentinian players for example have & still do represent English clubs? ive never heard any of them have an issue with the poppy or national anthem have you?

 

Can you imagine how classless it would be or look if say 3/4 players from the same team turned their back on the countries national anthem where they choose to live & work while representing that English or where ever, club in a cup final for example.

 

England fans used to get vilified & rightly so for booing another countries national anthem before internationals, so if a player chooses to disrespect a national anthem where he ply's his trade it shouldn't be deemed any different, its disrespectful & classless. 

 

On the subject of our anthem i dont dislike it but i do think England should have its own anthem like Land Of Hope & Glory or Jerusalem. 

[Carshalton Blue]

whatever Irish republicans hate about Britain it isn't our money - I do think it'd be better to just ignore this guy as he seems to revel in the publicity

 

not respecting a national flag that is being flown in recognition that the club you play for is a British club is just pathetic but thankfully people like JMcC are a tiny minority of Irish people. Most Irish people living in Britain are happy to contribute to British life and live in the present without always harping on about past injustices, of which there have been many inflicted on all sides

Ive got an Irish background on my mums side albeit 4/5 generations back, i also have Irish inlaws from the Republic who have lived here for over 50 years now, they have never been political & neither have all their Irish family members ive met when ive been over there.

 

With my terrace culture for want of a better word, background & my tattoo's i was met with apprehension by some at first, but once they got to know me & the fact i showed total respect while being over there there's never been an issue.

 

Like i said its all about respecting the country & its people where you choose to live & work, the fact McClean chose to wear an IRA badge while at Wigan sums the prick up imo.

[g3.7]

yeah don't get me wrong- I think stuff like corbyn getting criticised for not singing the anthem is bollocks, but if you do something deliberately provocative like ostentatiously turning away then people are going to be unhappy.

 

I don't know anything of mcclean but by most accounts he isn't the brightest lad. maybe he doesn't recognise that by standing there in silence it doesn't mean he endorses every action taken by british soldiers or decision made by those who command them. perhaps he could wear a white poppy which would show respect for all who suffer as a result of military action but probably couldn't be perceived in a political way. 

 

I think it is quite an interesting issue in some ways. I wonder if anyone tells the players what the poppy represents and whether they give them any options. players (and people) shouldn't be forced to do anything, but I think that it would be good for kids to be educated about these matters. when I was in school (not that long ago, i'm less than 2 years older than mcclean) I was told two things about politics: 1, "don't vote conservative" (no explanation or elaboration given) and 2, "you wear a poppy to remember people died in the war". I think that is a huge failing of the education system.

[bluegraham]

Ive got an Irish background on my mums side albeit 4/5 generations back, i also have Irish inlaws from the Republic who have lived here for over 50 years now, they have never been political & neither have all their Irish family members ive met when ive been over there.

With my terrace culture for want of a better word, background & my tattoo's i was met with apprehension by some at first, but once they got to know me & the fact i showed total respect while being over there there's never been an issue.

Like i said its all about respecting the country & its people where you choose to live & work, the fact McClean chose to wear an IRA badge while at Wigan sums the prick up imo.

You can drink in Ireland with ms anytime lol