Persecuted.

[Just-Jude]

Should James McClean have turned his back on the English flag and National Anthem during the start of a friendly match in America?

Is it worth receiving death threats for?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/james-mcclean-warned-west-brom-6097986

[B00]

"Is it worth receiving death threats for? "

Nope.

When I hear things like that im more worried about the sanity of the 'mob' than I am of the person who got em all riled up in the first place.

[Old_Geezer]

Personally I don't care whether he does or doesn't.
If his warped sense of right and wrong tells him he should make a scene then let him go ahead.

[scorpiojo]

Why do you keep using film titles as question titles?

[Svejk]

Nice bit of spotting, jo. ;o)

[scorpiojo]

;o)

[Svejk]

He's probably laughing at us with his school-chums.

[Just-Jude]

Hi jo...why not? It fits the question perfectly and I put a lot of research into it.

[Mamyalynne]

1a - No - He could opt out without making such a show of it.

1b - No,death threats are rarely if ever warranted.

[Just-Jude]

Would opting out not be the mark of a coward?

[chaptazbru2]

Why is he playing for an English team then ??

[Baldric]

No Death Threats mentioned in your link.
Have you not got 'round to making them yet?

[Mamyalynne]

//Would opting out not be the mark of a coward?//

Not necessarily - he has made his choice, he does not have to make a show of it.

Simply stay silent during the anthems etc.

[andy-hughes]

There's a well-worn (and it's true which is why) phrase - 'Pick your battles ...'

and this is what Mr McClean needs to understand.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your roots, country, and culture, but there are times and places to demonstrate that feeling, and this was not either of them.

If you undertake to play football for a British team in international competition, then you will hear, and be expected to acknowledge the National Anthem.

If you feel unable to comply with that situation, then restrict your career to Irish clubs, or request not to be chosen for international matches.

You cannot accept the career, money, respect, and adoration that goes with being a top footballer, and then decide to stand on your pride in a situation like this.

It makes you look mean, stroppy, immature, and incapable of adult judgement - and on this occasion, Mr McClean has demonstrated all of those facets of his character.

Football is a team sport - if you can't be with your team through its various responsibilities - then take up golf or darts, or some other sport where your respect for your fellow players is not required to be demonstrated in these situations.

Death threats are ludicrous, and utterly unacceptable.

[mallyh]

he desn't mind taking money from an English team though .but death threats is going a bit far .

[ummmm]

I'm Irish...he's being a pleb!

English people were expected to stand for the Irish national anthem if they were in an Irish club (pub) so why shouldn't he show the same respect?!

[andy-hughes]

ummm - I agree - it is entirely a matter of respect for your surroundings, and the people with you.

Yesterday, I went to Mass, as I usually do on a Sunday morning, and with the exception of crossing myself, I join in with every aspect of the service, because not to do so is to disrespect the church and the priest and the people.

If I felt that strongly as an atheist, I would simply stay away.

Wanting the bits of life you like, and spitting your dummy out over the bits you don't is childish - this man is a professional athlete and a grown-up, he should know better - and set a better example to other young Irish people who may think his actions are in some way correct in this instance.

[Ken4155]

His immarurity becomes even more stark when you remember the very recent hand shake between Prince Charles and Ex IRA Commander Martin McGuinness.

[andy-hughes]

Indeed Ken - holding grudges for centuries is the Gaelic way, but as I posted earlier, there are times and places to make a stand, this was neither of them.

[jourdain2]

Not read the link, once I saw it's about football. Never heard of James McClean, but nothing about the standards held in football surprises me these days.

[-Talbot-]

Biting the hand that feeds you?
I have no problem with him having those views but naff off somewhere other than England and stop being hypercritical. I would not want him at my club.