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English FA to investigate alleged discriminatory chants at James McClean

The English FA are to investigate chants aimed at Republic of Ireland international James McClean...
John Duggan
John Duggan

10.25 12 Nov 2019


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English FA to investigate alle...

English FA to investigate alleged discriminatory chants at James McClean

John Duggan
John Duggan

10.25 12 Nov 2019


Share this article


The English FA are to investigate chants aimed at Republic of Ireland international James McClean during Stoke City's Championship game at Barnsley.

An allegation of discriminatory behaviour is understood to have been included in the referee's report, according to the Daily Mail.

A small section of fans are believed to have chanted anti-IRA and anti-Pope songs at Oakwell on Saturday.

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Derry native McClean has declined to wear a poppy on his shirt out of respect for the 13 civilians that were killed on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.

McClean was frequently the target of boos during the game, which fell one day before Remembrance Sunday.

Barnsley lost the game by 4 goals to 2 to Stoke City in what was Michael O'Neill's first match in charge of the Potters.

The Yorkshire club may be fined.

James McClean has previously explained why he doesn't wear a poppy: 

"If the poppy was simply about World War I and II victims alone, I'd wear it without a problem.

"I would wear it every day of the year if that was the thing, but it isn't. It stands for all conflicts that Britain has been involved in.

"Because of the history of where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that."

On social media last year, McClean posted: 

"I am more bored of this every year than anyone. I have explained more times than I would have liked to or should have to.

"I will not now or not ever participate in wearing a poppy," he wrote.

"I feel I have again explained myself enough. Lastly, as I have done and continue to do, (I) will go about the matter respectfully as I respect everyone's right to live their life.

"Each to their own. The last words I will ever say on this matter."


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