Police probe McClean death threats after Sunderland star's poppy snub Police have opened an investigation into allegations that Sunderland winger James McClean has been the target of death threats. The 23-year-old was criticised for his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt during the Black Cats' 2-1 defeat at Everton last weekend. The Republic of Ireland international subsequently received a mixed response from the travelling Sunderland supporters when he was introduced as a second-half substitute during Sunday's 3-1 victory at Fulham. It is understood that threats have been directed towards McClean on Twitter, a social networking site which the player no longer uses, with police confirming yesterday they are investigating. A statement released by Northumbria Police read: 'Police are carrying out inquiries following a third party report of threats made on social networking sites. 'Officers have spoken to Sunderland AFC and inquiries are ongoing. After Sunday's game, Black Cats manager Martin O'Neill confirmed McClean had received death threats, and backed him to rise above any negative reaction from fans concerning his choice not to wear a poppy. O'Neill said: 'James will deal with it (the booing). 'I think it is to do with the issue last week, it's a free choice in this world. 'James has lived with a lot of things - he's getting death threats too now so that doesn't help.' Ex-British soldier Cody Lachey posted pictures of bullets on McClean's Twitter timeline and one of his tweets said: 'he deserves to be shot dead + body dragged past the cenotaph!!' Anti-terror police were told of the threats and police investigated them. The 29-year-old doorman has not been charged and has said since he is no longer a threat to the Sunderland player. It was a scar on one of Sunderland's better afternoons where they won their first away match since February. It wasn't Billy though, ill vouch for him he was with me honest your honor, so which sad twat was it, my bets on the ira
It's sad that some fans feel that way as I wasn't aware it was compulsory to wear a poppy or has he expressed some racist/anti English views? This debate is still raging on FB and other social media sites giving every bigoted idiot the platform to spew their sectarian hatred. I've also noticed a lot of people (on Both sides of the pond) making some very sweeping ill informed statements regarding his reasoning which to me is very sad as alot of the anger is being directed towards both SAFC and the people of Derry. The only people smiling here are the bigots.
Couldn't agree more Derry. He's an Irish Catholic, and may well hold Republican views but he's not harmed anyone, made any anti-British statements and in a free country is entitled to decline to wear a Poppy if he doesn't want to wear one. I served in Northern Ireland and I see no problem with the lad declining to wear a poppy. As for the death threats - well that's the media socal media for you !
