You have summed that up better than I ever could. I worked in Shorts Belfast many years ago, and saw the divide with my own eyes. But Ive never realy had hate for anyone in my life. I walked to and from school with catholic lads, played football with them, went to their weddings and christnings of their kids, am godfather for two of them. And sadly burried a few over the years. But that was Sunderland and Castleford, not Northern Ireland.
Yes he has the right to choose the republic but the using of the IFA is only going to deepen the problems and I fear cause some people to question why pick players from the catholic community in the first place. Such actions by McClean etc are hurtful to NI fans and play into the hands of bigots looking for excuses to justify their hate.
I hear you and understand why some NI fans could feel hurt but the statements by the IFA concerning James comments rather than condemning the real issue which was the sectarian abuse he recieved can also play into the hands of the people saying "same old same old". IMO like the rugby we should have one team/league giving us a better chance in championships but I'm a dreamer!
A couple of people on hear where saying about Catholic lads playing for the North can I just say look at the abuse that Neil Lennon got and continues to get.
Ohwow, there'sd our anti British marra JackieSpackie lurking. I hope he gets ****ed of 97 IRA men the sad twat,
What about the other catholic lads who don't get abuse? Also I have been to NI games and watched Lennon play and never heard any abuse.