“They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of one Irishman who doesn’t want to be broken.”
James McClean has released another statement about his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his jersey.
Since arriving in English football in 2011, the Derry winger has not worn the poppy at any of his clubs.
Most people support his stance and right to free speech. Many others cannot believe it is still a talking point after all these years.
There are still a few who take issue with it, and some were present at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. McClean was a second-half substitute in Stoke City’s goalless draw with Middlesbrough.
The 29-year-old came on for the final eight minutes of the match and appears to have been booed by some in attendance. McClean hit back at his detractors in an Instagram post later in the day.
He wrote:
“‘They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of one Irishman who doesn’t want to be broken’.
“Your abuse, your throwing things, your booing, do your worst. To the home fans that are actually educated and support me, thank you. To the section of uneducated cavemen in the left hand corner of the Boothen End Stand that want to song their Anti-Irish songs each game and call me a Fenian this and that, I am a PROUD FENIAN. No c**t will ever change that, so sing away.”
Via James McClean’s Instagram page.
Stoke released a statement last week stating their support for McClean’s poppy stance. Most Stoke fans in attendance and on social media also appeared to support his right to exercise free speech.
But, of course, there will always be a minority who aren’t as tolerant.
Some of that minority heckled and booed McClean as he left the field on Saturday evening.
Just look at the intolerance and hatred on display all because James McClean refuses to wear a poppy. pic.twitter.com/SP8THxKWh8
— Crimes of Britain (@crimesofbrits) November 3, 2018
