James McClean and the FA

[The Red Baron]

https://www.instagram.com/jimmymac_11/?hl=en

I see that the FA is "investigating" comments made by McClean on Instagram following Stoke's game at the weekend. It seems McClean (who chooses not to wear a poppy symbol on his shirt) was given a rough time of it by some of his own fans and responded by calling them cavemen (you can see the post at the link above).

Now, on the one hand I accept McClean's decision not to wear the poppy, something he has been consistent about. I would point out to him that plenty of Irish people fought and died for the Allied side in both World Wars, but I appreciate he is making a particular point.

If you read what he says, I struggle to see how it could be deemed offensive or insulting. The term caveman is often used to describe people thought to hold outdated views, and if thought offensive would land a lot of "progressives" in the dock. I also think that if a footballer is abused by his own fans he's entitled to express some disapproval in public.

I am no fan of McClean: anyone who boasts approvingly about listening to music glorifying the IRA, or who chooses to quote a convicted IRA terrorist, doesn't come very high on my list of favourite people. However I think this is a matter to be dealt with between him, Stoke City and their supporters, and the FA should butt out.

(Incidentally I don't think Stoke City covered themselves in glory here. McClean's objections to the poppy symbol are well known, so was there really any need for them to put out a statement last week drawing attention to the matter?)

[BillyStubbsTears]

This is an inevitable situation that we have landed in. By corporatizing the poppy (ie by attaching it to groups, such as football teams) you inevitably highlight people who choose (for WHATEVER reason) to opt out.

Wearing a poppy is supposed to be a positive action. It was never supposed to be a political act, but it is becoming one. That is deeply sad, and very divisive.

[Axholme Lion]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

[GazLaz]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

Wasn’t his dad killed by a British soldier? I can see why he doesn’t want to wear on. Matic didn’t wear one either.

[bpoolrover]

Can't see the problem, it would be nice if everyone did but it's his choice and that should be respected

[The Red Baron]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

Wasn’t his dad killed by a British soldier? I can see why he doesn’t want to wear on. Matic didn’t wear one either.

No, although some people from the estate where he grew up were killed on Bloody Sunday.

[The Red Baron]

Can't see the problem, it would be nice if everyone did but it's his choice and that should be respected

I agree, but that's not really the point at issue.

The point is, footballer takes a particular stance, he gets it in the neck for it from a section of his club's supporters. The footballer hits back, but not in an offensive or abusive manner, and the FA weighs in.

The FA has already shown poor judgement of late bringing charges against Jose Mourinho that were thrown out (IMO for perfectly valid reasons) by the independent commission. I think they are showing poor judgement again by getting involved in this. It makes one think that the FA compliance department either hasn't got enough to do or has it's priorities wrong  (eg their total lack of interest in the long-running farce at Blackpool.)

[The Red Baron]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

Wasn’t his dad killed by a British soldier? I can see why he doesn’t want to wear on. Matic didn’t wear one either.

Matic didn't, and didn't attract similar hostility. I would point out that the back story is different to McClean's but I also don't recall Manchester United putting out a statement last week and hence drawing attention to the matter.

[bpoolrover]

Quite agree mate,as you say stoke handled it wrong 2, as far as what he is supposed to have said to the fans if they can't handle that they need something better in there lives to do

[Draytonian III]

James McClean seems to thrive on the conflict he causes every year, I wouldn’t be surprised if his next port of call after Stoke City is Celtic

[The Red Baron]

Seems that someone at the FA has seen sense.

https://mobile.twitter.com/PAdugout/status/1059513611503181828/photo/1

[The Red Baron]

James McClean seems to thrive on the conflict he causes every year, I wouldn’t be surprised if his next port of call after Stoke City is Celtic

Seems like he might find some kindred spirits there.

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLewisMcinnes/status/1057779691996749825/video/1

[Glyn_Wigley]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

I hope you or anyone else you know has never smoked cheap smuggled fags.

[Boomstick]

He's nothing but an immature attention seeking Kitson.
He should play for that vile club celtic where he would fit right in

[Axholme Lion]

He hates Britain but is happy to be paid in British pounds. Scum of the highest order, I hope some one breaks his leg.

I hope you or anyone else you know has never smoked cheap smuggled fags.

Don't smoke.

[Herbert Anchovy]

Wearing a poppy is a personal choice. It’s worth pointing out that there was a proportion of WW1 and WW2 veterans who refused to wear a poppy too.

Regarding McLean, I completely disagree with him but I support his right to express his opinion.

[Glyn_Wigley]

Wearing a poppy is a personal choice. It’s worth pointing out that there was a proportion of WW1 and WW2 veterans who refused to wear a poppy too.

Regarding McLean, I completely disagree with him but I support his right to express his opinion.

I'd say that by not wearing a poppy he's not expressing an opinion at all, it's only the poppy nazis who've made him have to express one.

[Boomstick]

Wearing a poppy is a personal choice. It’s worth pointing out that there was a proportion of WW1 and WW2 veterans who refused to wear a poppy too.

Regarding McLean, I completely disagree with him but I support his right to express his opinion.

I'd say that by not wearing a poppy he's not expressing an opinion at all, it's only the poppy nazis who've made him have to express one.

I'd say you retract that obscene comment of 'poppy nazis'

What a f**king ridiculously obscene comment .

[Glyn_Wigley]

I'd welcome an alternative that covers the people who take a noble idea, distort it to their own perverted ideology and then seek to impose that ideology on others to the point of wanting injury upon those who won't accept it.

[drfchound]

Whether there is an alternative word to use or not, coming on armistice weekend “poppy nazis” is an inconsiderate and offensive phrase to use under the circumstances.

[The Red Baron]

I'd welcome an alternative that covers the people who take a noble idea, distort it to their own perverted ideology and then seek to impose that ideology on others to the point of wanting injury upon those who won't accept it.

I don't think the Nazis had many noble ideas. It is a poorly used phrase I'm afraid.

[Herbert Anchovy]

I’m sure that Glynn didn’t use the phrase to cause offence or to demean the importance of Remembrance Sunday.

[Glyn_Wigley]

OK. I'll retract poppy nazi and replace it with poppy KGB. As they were on our side in the war I presume that's OK?

[Glyn_Wigley]

I’m sure that Glynn didn’t use the phrase to cause offence or to demean the importance of Remembrance Sunday.

No I didn't intend any disrespect to Remembrance Sunday, just disrespect to those who in turn disrespect the dead by using them to harass others. I used it because they should be fought against, just as the fallen fought against other forms of fascism.

[turnbull for england]

I can remember school in early 80s wearing a poppy as my dad always brought the family them and getting laughed at off the other kids as hardly anyone did. It's a shame that it's become more of a  corporate thing than a personal choice. I was reading yesterday about the first 20 or so years after the first world war when they held fancy dress balls and they celebrated surviving and the parts played but these fell out of favour and it became a more solemn event we recognise today

[adamtherover]

Isn't the concept of the poppy a symbolisation of freedom (of choice), so not wearing one is the Individuals right allowed by the very poppy itself.. (heard this debate on the radio)

[BillyStubbsTears]

That's the principle Adam.

[Bentley Bullet]

Unfortunately, having freedom also gives you the right to be a Kitson.

[wing commander]

  As a ex servicemen who saw active service in the first gulf war this really does make my blood boil..Not because he refuses to wear a poppy that is his choice but because it's being turned into a political side show...I wear a poppy to remember the people who gave there lives while in the service of our great nation,whether that be the first world war,second,falklands or even servicemen who died in the course of service during peace time..
   These people gave there lives so we could have this freedom of choice to wear a poppy or not,he through his own circumstances decides not too and that's fair enough,its not compulsory but a choice...

[BillyStubbsTears]

WC.
Excellent post. That pretty much wraps the whole thing up.