James McClean

[Balders Bee]

Ealing is never going to change his mind on this subject of unelected thugs taking up arms against an occupation by a foreign force which disses any other uprising in history.

Was Boadicea right in uprising against the Romans?

French Revolution?

That's quite some broad brush historical examples you've used Horsham nigh on 2000 years of history, quite an assumption on your part as to Ealing's viewpoint as well. Personally I thought he argues his point quite well from a historical perspective on the Easter Rising topic .

 

[horshambees]

Ealing is never going to change his mind on this subject of unelected thugs taking up arms against an occupation by a foreign force which disses any other uprising in history.

Was Boadicea right in uprising against the Romans?

French Revolution?

That's quite some broad brush historical examples you've used Horsham nigh on 2000 years of history, quite an assumption on your part as to Ealing's viewpoint as well. Personally I thought he argues his point quite well from a historical perspective on the Easter Rising topic .

It's all down to opinion and every July 4th the Americans celebrate independence day and we don't bat an eyelid to that.
A much bigger defeat in the eyes of GB and Empire building.

Do we slate Americans for celebrating independence day here in the UK??

No of course we don't and we never will.

 

[Ghost]

there from two different countries

Eh? As I understand it he was suggesting that Douglas potentially opting out of wearing a shirt with a poppy on if he wasn't suspended was a dangerous allegation.
Why would it be dangerous ? It would be a personal choice. It would have nothing to do with him being Irish or not.

 

[detours]

That's quite some broad brush historical examples you've used Horsham nigh on 2000 years of history, quite an assumption on your part as to Ealing's viewpoint as well. Personally I thought he argues his point quite well from a historical perspective on the Easter Rising topic .

I think us Brits have to accept that we haven't always been on the right side of History.

And people should be free to choose whether they wear a poppy or not :shrug:

 

[Ghost]

I think us Brits have to accept that we haven't always been on the right side of History.

And people should be free to choose whether they wear a poppy or not :shrug:

Hope you didn't hurt your thumb hitting that nail

 

[spirebee]

Ealing is never going to change his mind on this subject of unelected thugs taking up arms against an occupation by a foreign force which disses any other uprising in history.

Was Boadicea right in uprising against the Romans?

French Revolution?

Any Irishman has the right to mourn The Easter Rebellion if they so wish and our British Government made sure that any rebels who were caught were executed and thus martyrdom was created.
Of course the Rising was a prequel to the Irish War of Independence.
No doubt Ealing bee would condemn the unelected rabble even thinking about ruling their own country.

The Volunteers were freedom fighters to many and still are.To the British they are terrorists,guerrillas or simply the enemy and still are.

We were an occupying force and that is fact.

The Easter Lily is the equivalent of our Poppy btw and if an Irishman wants to wear one then so be it.He should wear it with pride in the same way my little man went to school this morning with his poppy on his school jumper which was attached by me to remember our distant relations who lost their lives during the Great War.

Too many innocent lives lost in Ireland and in Europe during this time and why??
Because Governments ordered it to be that way.

Spot on Sir.
A very well considered and logical post.
It probably has no place in this thread!

 

[Boscombe Bee]

Whats become very clear just reading this thread is that regrettably many here and elsewhere have made the poppy a political symbol and thats exactly what it should not be.

 

[Ealing Bee]

Ealing is never going to change his mind on this subject of unelected thugs taking up arms against an occupation by a foreign force which disses any other uprising in history.

Was Boadicea right in uprising against the Romans?

French Revolution?

Any Irishman has the right to mourn The Easter Rebellion if they so wish and our British Government made sure that any rebels who were caught were executed and thus martyrdom was created.
Of course the Rising was a prequel to the Irish War of Independence.
No doubt Ealing bee would condemn the unelected rabble even thinking about ruling their own country.

The Volunteers were freedom fighters to many and still are.To the British they are terrorists,guerrillas or simply the enemy and still are.

We were an occupying force and that is fact.

The Easter Lily is the equivalent of our Poppy btw and if an Irishman wants to wear one then so be it.He should wear it with pride in the same way my little man went to school this morning with his poppy on his school jumper which was attached by me to remember our distant relations who lost their lives during the Great War.

Too many innocent lives lost in Ireland and in Europe during this time and why??
Because Governments ordered it to be that way.

Thank you for telling me what (you think) I believe, but I prefer to express my thoughts myself, thanks very much.

And on the topic of McClean and the Poppy, I actually agree that footballers (or anyone else) should not be required to wear them if they don't wish to, with no explanation needed.

And more generally, he may profess whatever politics he likes, including hardline Republicanism.

Indeed he may choose to wear the Easter Lily if preferred*, even though in Ireland that is invariably the preserve of SF/IRA supporters amongst those not actually old enough to remember the events of 1916, rather than mainstream Nationalists (Google "Stickies" and "Pins", to find out more).

But what McClean may not do is express support for the Rising in this manner AND claim that he is "respectful" of British Army veterans of WW1, as he attempts in his letter - the two are clearly antipathetic.

And as for him appearing as a man of principle, why did he not express his latter "respect" when he faced the same situation with Sunderland a couple of years back?

Might it be that he knew he'd get away with just pleasing himself when employed by an Irish-owned club, whereas with Wigan's more opinionated owner, he knew he'd have to come up with something more palatable - or suffer the consequences.

Deceitful hypocrite.

[Meanwhile, anyone who wishes to discuss Irish politics generally, may do so without my input and preferably not on this thread. I suspect there may be other forums which deal with that sort of thing....]


* - Though doing so in full Wigan gear is hardly appropriate.

 

[Balders Bee]

I think us Brits have to accept that we haven't always been on the right side of History.

And people should be free to choose whether they wear a poppy or not :shrug:

Who argued otherwise on both counts?

 

[spirebee]

Thank you for telling me what (you think) I believe, but I prefer to express my thoughts myself, thanks very much.

And on the topic of McClean and the Poppy, I actually agree that footballers (or anyone else) should not be required to wear them if they don't wish to, with no explanation needed.

And more generally, he may profess whatever politics he likes, including hardline Republicanism.

Indeed he may choose to wear the Easter Lily if preferred*, even though in Ireland that is invariably the preserve of SF/IRA supporters amongst those not actually old enough to remember the events of 1916, rather than mainstream Nationalists (Google "Stickies" and "Pins", to find out more).

But what McClean may not do is express support for the Rising in this manner AND claim that he is "respectful" of British Army veterans of WW1, as he attempts in his letter - the two are clearly antipathetic.

And as for him appearing as a man of principle, why did he not express his latter "respect" when he faced the same situation with Sunderland a couple of years back?

Might it be that he knew he'd get away with just pleasing himself when employed by an Irish-owned club, whereas with Wigan's more opinionated owner, he knew he'd have to come up with something more palatable - or suffer the consequences.

Deceitful hypocrite.

[Meanwhile, anyone who wishes to discuss Irish politics generally, may do so without my input and preferably not on this thread. I suspect there may be other forums which deal with that sort of thing....]


* - Though doing so in full Wigan gear is hardly appropriate.

Your posts read as much 'anti Irish' as McLean's assumed republicans leanings.
What a lot of people misunderstand is that; having a romantic view of the events nearly 100 years ago in Ireland doesn't mean your are an IRA supporter.
The uprising all those years ago has little to do with the scenes in the North since the 60's.
Because of that, wearing the lily to support the dedication of a few, has little or nothing to do with the Modern IRA, which you seem a little obsessed about.

 

[detours]

Who argued otherwise on both counts?

Ealing Bee, and Vid.

Next question...

 

[Balders Bee]

Ealing Bee, and Vid.

Next question...

Very glib. I think you're misrepresenting both peoples views. Neither stated that the Brits were always on the right side of history and neither stated that people shouldn't be free to choose whether to wear a poppy or not. Make your own points fair enough but don't put words into other peoples mouths.

 

[Vid]

Ealing Bee, and Vid.

Next question...

Next question is... have you read my comments ? Nick Logan post 60 put my comments in a nut shell. Should a player be free to say I'm not wearing the team shirt because he doesn't like something on it ?

 

[detours]

Next question is... have you read my comments ? Nick Logan post 60 put my comments in a nut shell. Should a player be free to say I'm not wearing the team shirt because he doesn't like something on it ?

I think it's been quite clearly demonstrated over the past few days that if a player doesn't want to wear a shirt with a poppy on it, they don't have to wear a shirt with a poppy on it. It's their own personal choice.

Has it taken us 114 posts to realise that?

 

[ruislip bee]

Whats become very clear just reading this thread is that regrettably many here and elsewhere have made the poppy a political symbol and thats exactly what it should not be.

Very well said that man.

 

[Vid]

I think it's been quite clearly demonstrated over the past few days that if a player doesn't want to wear a shirt with a poppy on it, they don't have to wear a shirt with a poppy on it. It's their own personal choice.

Has it taken us 114 posts to realise that?

FIFA disagree with you.

http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=261833

 

[bees66]

FIFA disagree with you.

http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=261833

FIFA cannot stand England.. I wouldn't expect anything less from those cheating ****s..

 

[horshambees]

Your posts read as much 'anti Irish' as McLean's assumed republicans leanings.
What a lot of people misunderstand is that; having a romantic view of the events nearly 100 years ago in Ireland doesn't mean your are an IRA supporter.
The uprising all those years ago has little to do with the scenes in the North since the 60's.
Because of that, wearing the lily to support the dedication of a few, has little or nothing to do with the Modern IRA, which you seem a little obsessed about.

Ealing bangs on about the IRA who were founded out of the ashes of the Irish volunteers in 1919,3 years after the Easter Rebellion.

The Irish Republican brotherhood and the smaller Irish Citizen Army were responsible.No more than 2,000 strong against 16,000 who survived for 6 days until they had to surrender.

Ealing I suspect is anti Irish and feels that they should have conscripted to fight for GB and its allies on the battle fields of Europe despite having no loyalty to the crown.

Not my opinion,but that is why many young Irishman did not go to war.
Many did go though and many did not come back and James McClean acknowledged that in his respect,but in his view he cannot respect what the British Army did in future engagements in varying conflicts.

That is how I read it and without prejudice.

 

[Ealing Bee]

Ealing Bee, and Vid.

Next question...

I specifically stated in post #'s 79, 83 and 108 that everyone, including McClean, should be free to wear, or not to wear, a Poppy entirely as they wish "no explanation needed". (And implied it in #85).

Nor have I ever stated, or even implied, that "the Brits are always in the right etc" - that would be absurd.

I don't mind you debating/contradicting my posts, but I'd prefer if you read them first.

Or if you have read them, that you didn't just ignore what I write and carry on regardless.

 

[Ealing Bee]

Ealing bangs on about the IRA who were founded out of the ashes of the Irish volunteers in 1919,3 years after the Easter Rebellion.

The Irish Republican brotherhood and the smaller Irish Citizen Army were responsible.No more than 2,000 strong against 16,000 who survived for 6 days until they had to surrender.

No, I was careful to refer specifically to the "Rebels" [sic] of 1916. And I am well aware of the make-up and nature of the IRB and ICA etc, plus their numbers etc.

My point is that the IRA - whether the 1920 or 1970 versions - see themselves as their natural heirs.

And there is ample evidence to suggest, from his own mouth, that McClean sympathises with them.

Which he is entitled to do (even if I personally find that repugnant).

What he should not be entitled to do, however, is claim that he has "respect" for the WW1 veterans in his letter, whilst also labelling them "Uncle Toms" (i.e. the Irish volunteers, including from Derry) elsewhere.

It is his duplicity which I object to, that being the point which you seem to miss, as you ramble on about the iniquities of British Rule in Ireland etc.

Ealing I suspect is anti Irish and feels that they should have conscripted to fight for GB and its allies on the battle fields of Europe despite having no loyalty to the crown.

Not my opinion,but that is why many young Irishman did not go to war.

"Anti-Irish"? You really have no idea!

And btw, I have never claimed that conscription should have been introduced in Ireland, which it wasn't, since that would have been both wrong in principle and stupid in practice.

But hey, you carry on imagining you know what I think, if it pleases you...

Many did go though and many did not come back and James McClean acknowledged that in his respect,but in his view he cannot respect what the British Army did in future engagements in varying conflicts.

That is how I read it and without prejudice.

"Without prejuedice"

Aye, that's the point. McClean has revealed on numerous occasions where his own true "prejudices" lie, including his attitude to the British Army, past and present.

Which is the context in which I read his letter.

And it is my belief that whoever wrote it for him put a shine on it which he/she knew would not antagonise David Whelan, even despite it not holding true to what McClean has said and done on past occasions.

Which is all I really have to say on the matter, in which case I shall leave discussion of Boudicca, George Washington, Patrick Pearse and the French Revolution to you.

 

[horshambees]

No, I was careful to refer specifically to the "Rebels" [sic] of 1916. And I am well aware of the make-up and nature of the IRB and ICA etc, plus their numbers etc.

My point is that the IRA - whether the 1920 or 1970 versions - see themselves as their natural heirs.

And there is ample evidence to suggest, from his own mouth, that McClean sympathises with them.

Which he is entitled to do (even if I personally find that repugnant).

What he should not be entitled to do, however, is claim that he has "respect" for the WW1 veterans in his letter, whilst also labelling them "Uncle Toms" (i.e. the Irish volunteers, including from Derry) elsewhere.

It is his duplicity which I object to, that being the point which you seem to miss, as you ramble on about the iniquities of British Rule in Ireland etc.

"Anti-Irish"? You really have no idea!

And btw, I have never claimed that conscription should have been introduced in Ireland, which it wasn't, since that would have been both wrong in principle and stupid in practice.

But hey, you carry on imagining you know what I think, if it pleases you...

"Without prejuedice"

Aye, that's the point. McClean has revealed on numerous occasions where his own true "prejudices" lie, including his attitude to the British Army, past and present.

Which is the context in which I read his letter.

And it is my belief that whoever wrote it for him put a shine on it which he/she knew would not antagonise David Whelan, even despite it not holding true to what McClean has said and done on past occasions.

Which is all I really have to say on the matter, in which case I shall leave discussion of Boudicca, George Washington, Patrick Pearse and the French Revolution to you.

Thank you.

I forgot to mention the Indian mutinies.No doubt they would have no place in your world.How dare they attack the occupiers of their nation.

Zulu Wars ??

It tantamounts to the same thing.

 

[sonofabee]

No, I was careful to refer specifically to the "Rebels" [sic] of 1916. And I am well aware of the make-up and nature of the IRB and ICA etc, plus their numbers etc.

My point is that the IRA - whether the 1920 or 1970 versions - see themselves as their natural heirs.

And there is ample evidence to suggest, from his own mouth, that McClean sympathises with them.

Which he is entitled to do (even if I personally find that repugnant).

What he should not be entitled to do, however, is claim that he has "respect" for the WW1 veterans in his letter, whilst also labelling them "Uncle Toms" (i.e. the Irish volunteers, including from Derry) elsewhere.

It is his duplicity which I object to, that being the point which you seem to miss, as you ramble on about the iniquities of British Rule in Ireland etc.

"Anti-Irish"? You really have no idea!

And btw, I have never claimed that conscription should have been introduced in Ireland, which it wasn't, since that would have been both wrong in principle and stupid in practice.

But hey, you carry on imagining you know what I think, if it pleases you...

"Without prejuedice"

Aye, that's the point. McClean has revealed on numerous occasions where his own true "prejudices" lie, including his attitude to the British Army, past and present.

Which is the context in which I read his letter.

And it is my belief that whoever wrote it for him put a shine on it which he/she knew would not antagonise David Whelan, even despite it not holding true to what McClean has said and done on past occasions.

Which is all I really have to say on the matter, in which case I shall leave discussion of Boudicca, George Washington, Patrick Pearse and the French Revolution to you.

You write fart oo much

 

[Brain-dead Bee]

I think it's been quite clearly demonstrated over the past few days that if a player doesn't want to wear a shirt with a poppy on it, they don't have to wear a shirt with a poppy on it. It's their own personal choice.

Has it taken us 114 posts to realise that?

Didn't a moslem player (Newcastle??) ask not to wear a shirt that advertised a gambling company 2-3 years ago? It's a difficult position once a club puts something on its short that could have political or ethical implications

 

[WarrenBee]

Still, at least it's something else that Uwe will have to deal with!

 

[horshambees]

And btw, I have never claimed that conscription should have been introduced in Ireland, which it wasn't, since that would have been both wrong in principle and stupid in practice.
.

Why did Lloyd George introduce a conscription act in 1918 then??

Introduced in England in January 1916 and implemented in April 1916 and extended to Ireland in 1918 because of falling numbers in volunteers because of the horrors of war.

I learnt that years ago and also that Kitchener did not like them as he preferred the UVF from the North and as the casualties rose higher the volunteers,under John Redmonds "good for Ireland good for home rule"banner,declined.

As it did here at home too.

Maybe I could teach you a thing or two,but somehow I don't think you would turn up for your lessons even though you would love to.

 

[nick logan]

Why did Lloyd George introduce a conscription act in 1918 then??

Introduced in England in January 1916 and implemented in April 1916 and extended to Ireland in 1918 because of falling numbers in volunteers because of the horrors of war.

I learnt that years ago and also that Kitchener did not like them as he preferred the UVF from the North and as the casualties rose higher the volunteers,under John Redmonds "good for Ireland good for home rule"banner,declined.

As it did here at home too.

Maybe I could teach you a thing or two,but somehow I don't think you would turn up for your lessons even though you would love to.

You have never ever agreed with any critcism of Celtic , Ireland or the IRA so you are a lot more one sided than Ealing Bee .

You also still haven't acknowledged his hypocrisy in openly hating the British but not enough to collect his massive salary.

 

[nick logan]

Whats become very clear just reading this thread is that regrettably many here and elsewhere have made the poppy a political symbol and thats exactly what it should not be.

James Mclean certainly has yes, perhaps if he had just worn the same strip as his team mates .

 

[horshambees]

You have never ever agreed with any critcism of Celtic , Ireland or the IRA so you are a lot more one sided than Ealing Bee .

You also still haven't acknowledged his hypocrisy in openly hating the British but not enough to collect his massive salary.

Nick what I presented were real historical events not an opinion.

I am not IRA either.I have never supported them,but I do know why they exist and for what reasons.
Equally I know enough about the Loyalists of Ulster to get by.

I don't agree with everything Celtic.
Its a football club.Every club has its radical support.We have everybody has.Some we will agree on some we will not.

James McClean hates the British??

He may not like what the British Army/British government done in Ireland or Northern Ireland during the last 100 years and that once again is down to opinion.

Maybe I am different,but I can understand that.

I can look at centuries of wars and conflicts and think that one should never have happened or why did we go there and at the same time justify involvement.

Regardless of opinion though,I wear my poppy and proudly so.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Regardless of opinion though,I wear my poppy and proudly so.

And there lies the answer IMO, whether I agree with this war or that war, it's a day of remembering the fallen, it's focussed on WW1 but is used by many for many other conflicts, it's remembering the dead and not a political or point scoring concept. It's a shame that he decided to be so anal IMO.

 

[Boscombe Bee]

James Mclean certainly has yes, perhaps if he had just worn the same strip as his team mates .

Yes he has, but far too many including so many here have risen to his 'gesture' and have given a reason for many others to continue to mark remembrance as a political event. Im sure there will now be others in the future who would have been inspired by him and will do the same to make a political point in the future because they will know they will get a political reaction and raise the profile of their grievance.

You should have all just ignored him!

 

[Brentford Bob]

Even as an old lefty these days, the wearing of a poppy is important to me to show respect to those who fought and died in ALL conflicts.

People like McClean and at the opposite end of the spectrum, Britain First who use the poppy as a political symbol can all **** off, frankly.

If you don't want to wear a poppy, don't wear one. Just don't make a big fuss about it because it will probably come back to bite you on the arse.

 

[Brickie Chap]

Your posts read as much 'anti Irish' as McLean's assumed republicans leanings.
What a lot of people misunderstand is that; having a romantic view of the events nearly 100 years ago in Ireland doesn't mean your are an IRA supporter.
The uprising all those years ago has little to do with the scenes in the North since the 60's.
Because of that, wearing the lily to support the dedication of a few, has little or nothing to do with the Modern IRA, which you seem a little obsessed about.

The 1916 IRA are completely different to those who fought from the late 60's onwards !

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

End of the day the poppy is there to remember and respect HUMANS who have given their lives. Millions dead and there should never be the like of it again (WW1/2). McClean says he doesnt wear one out of respect for his "country" (and i use that term loosely, as where is he from and who does he play football for?). End of the day its not a political symbol regardless of what others think............ But McClean is using it exactly as a political symbol/statement by not wearing it.

 

[JCMcBee]

unlike the poppy.....................and all that it stands for..............james mccleans protest will be forgotten in time.........lest we forget

 

[nick logan]

End of the day the poppy is there to remember and respect HUMANS who have given their lives. Millions dead and there should never be the like of it again (WW1/2). McClean says he doesnt wear one out of respect for his "country" (and i use that term loosely, as where is he from and who does he play football for?). End of the day its not a political symbol regardless of what others think............ But McClean is using it exactly as a political symbol/statement by not wearing it.

Spot on, especially the last sentence

 

[spirebee]

The 1916 IRA are completely different to those who fought from the late 60's onwards !

What's laughable is that the British, French, American, Russian and GERMAN dignitaries can all remember the fallen, standing side by side, but some blinkered people can't leave others to commemorate events their own way.
It's all about perspective and acknowledging that the people on the other side of the fence have their views for reasons that go back generations.
For that reason McClean should freely express his opinion.

At the risk of sounding like John Lennon; all lives lost in war and conflict are wasted, no matter what the cause.....and should be remembered.
For that reason McClean should have wore the poppy.

Confused?

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

What's laughable is that the British, French, American, Russian and GERMAN dignitaries can all remember the fallen, standing side by side, but some blinkered people can't leave others to commemorate events their own way.
It's all about perspective and acknowledging that the people on the other side of the fence have their views for reasons that go back generations.
For that reason McClean should freely express his opinion.

At the risk of sounding like John Lennon; all lives lost in war and conflict are wasted, no matter what the cause.....and should be remembered.
For that reason McClean should have wore the poppy.

Confused?

yes lol lol

anyway, enough of this nonsense......we;ve got fulham at home in just over 7 days time !!!!!!!

 

[spirebee]

yes lol lol

anyway, enough of this nonsense......we;ve got fulham at home in just over 7 days time !!!!!!!

Yes; and I hope you won't be supporting your home town team in White?!

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Yes; and I hope you won't be supporting your home town team in White?!

lol......maybe 40 years ago:blush

anyway, i hope you've been working on your right jab after that last woeful 'effort' against em eh eh eh

 

[spirebee]

lol......maybe 40 years ago:blush

anyway, i hope you've been working on your right jab after that last woeful 'effort' against em eh eh eh

Nigel Benn wouldn't do any better after 10 pints!
But yes; I still feel the shame...

 

[horshambees]

Yes; and I hope you won't be supporting your home town team in White?!

Happens to be my local team too.

About a mile,maybe not that much.

 

[TW3Bee]

Hasim Amla doesn't wear any of the Castle Lager logos on his shirt when he plays for South Africa.




It's not as if he has to drink the stuff.

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Nigel Benn wouldn't do any better after 10 pints!
But yes; I still feel the shame...

and no making up for it on friday eh

 

[bees66]

James McClean appeared to turn his back on the British national anthem..

 

[homerbees]

I'd wish he got stick from supporters, He's an attention seeking privk.

Immediately after he's acted, the Irish on twitter are boosting his ego "James McClean is an Irish legend." Etc. He must get a buzz from that.

England does so much for so many ungrateful *****. He earns a great wage and lives comfortably here in England. If he's no time for this country, then do one.

You act out this way because of the killings by the British soldiers & love Derry so much, yet you play for the Republic of Ireland..... Should have gone to the MLS in the summer.

 

[bees66]

Should have gone to the MLS in the summer.

he is not going to make it at WBA, he is ****ing *****.. can see him being let go at January or the end of the season..

 

[GlasgowBee]

I always respect a person who puts their principles ahead of their wallet

 

[Rhinobee]

It must be really difficult for him to walk around with all those little pictures of the Queen in his wallet.

 

[UBee5]

GSTQ is a horrible national anthem regardless but McClean not standing for it does not mean he hates British people, if he did then I'd question why he's over here earning a living and not politically fighting the good fight, but turning his back on an anthem that supports a monarchy that has supported what it has in Ireland for years is not an offensive thing. I think the monarchy are useless and being born into power is wrong, I won't sing GDSQ either, doesn't change the fact I'm English and love where I'm from and get on with the people around me.

And you may ask why is he collecting money with her head on....it's the currency of the land he is from, moving from Derry to England will not change that.

 

[Silly Hat]

Turning one's back on any national anthem is the height of ignorance and petty attention seeking. He's a sportsman FFS. When watching baseball in the U.S. I don't turn my back on where the American flag is being raised out of protest at US foreign policy in Iraq or whatever. African athletes at the Olympics don't turn their backs during the playing of the French, British, Belgian etc national anthems over colonialism. Chinese athletes don't turn their backs when the Japanese anthem's played because of the Nanking Massacre. I could go on and on and on, but McClean needs to take a long hard look at himself, and consider whether he should continue playing sport in a country with which he clearly has a deep seated dislike for.