Poppy
Irish singer Damien Dempsey releases ‘James McClean tribute’ referencing poppy saga

Irish singer Damien Dempsey releases ‘James McClean tribute’ referencing poppy saga

The singer-songwriter dedicated a track on his new album to the Wrexham winger. Damien Dempsey has released a new song in tribute to the Republic of Ireland and Wrexham winger James McClean. The ballad, which can be heard on the Dubliner’s new album Hold Your Joy, is fittingly titled ‘James McClean’ and references the footballer’s […]

1 year ago

Martin O’Neill shares his personal view on James McClean’s poppy stance

Martin O’Neill shares his personal view on James McClean’s poppy stance

“He was prepared to do that.” Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has shared his personal view on James McClean’s controversial and much-talked about poppy stance. McClean refused to wear the poppy embroidered on his jersey when that was introduced to English football during the month of November in honour of Remembrance Day. Wearing […]

2 years ago

James McClean explains why other footballers won’t take poppy stance

James McClean explains why other footballers won’t take poppy stance

“It can be quite taxing.” James McClean explains why other footballers have not followed his lead, and refused to wear the poppy on their jerseys as part of Remembrance month. McClean famously refused to wear a jersey that had the poppy embroiled onto the kit, as he did not want to show support for the […]

2 years ago

James McClean confronts poppy abusers head on at QPR

James McClean confronts poppy abusers head on at QPR

Republic of Ireland and Stoke City winger James McClean confronted fans that were shouting abuse at him over his refusal to wear the remembrance day poppy. McClean has been a subject of abuse for his entire career in England and hit out at the “uneducated cavemen” who heckled him earlier this season in a game […]

7 years ago

PFAI call on FA to investigate ‘anti-Irish’ racism claims

PFAI call on FA to investigate ‘anti-Irish’ racism claims

The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland have called on the English and Scottish FA’s to have a more robust approach in dealing with abuse faced by players like James McClean and managers such as Neil Lennon. McClean has engaged in a back and forth with the FA this week over their failure to adequately deal with […]

8 years ago

The FA’s hypocrisy over political symbols is difficult to ignore

The FA’s hypocrisy over political symbols is difficult to ignore

The FA chief executive, Martin Glenn, sees a fire and reaches for the gasoline. On Sunday, Glenn was discussing Pep Guardiola’s much-publicised yellow ribbon, which the Manchester City manager has worn in support of politicians who have been imprisoned in Catalonia following the independence referendum there in October. Having been the FA’s chief executive for […]

8 years ago