Getting widely criticised for turning his back on God Save The Queen. Personally I support his right to not sing it, recognise it etc. given his background as anyone should have the right to but people are getting very hot under the collar at this perceived lack of respect. Irishmen, Englishmen and anyone else, what say ye?
He also refuses to wear the poppy on the shirt in the Remembrance weekend matches. He's entitled to his opinion but to deliberately disrespect an anthem is provocative which he seems to get off by. But then again you have only to look at the antics in Ulster in July by both sides to see where these type of attitudes are bred...
Because he'd be paid in magic beans? It's not like he hates England or the English. He obviously works with and lives with plenty but there are pretty severe repercussions for him I believe back home if he's seen to be a part of it. I also think he lost friends/family in the Northern Ireland troubles.
Aaaah ok - still none the wiser, obviously another individual who draws attention to himself like the countless other 'celebrities' by performing a controversial act. Of course he has the right to demonstrate his beliefs but in less democratic countries the consequences of his actions may have been different.
I would highly doubt that. Unless losing the "respect" of a small group of halfwits is considered a severe repercussion. Judging by his behaviour, he is one of those halfwits. He's a clown with nothing between his ears. The Albion fans will turn on him now too. What a way to kick off his stint at a new club.
Comes across quite well here. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ay-decision-shun-poppy-embroidered-shirt.html I don't condone or condemn it but I think he has a right to quietly not observe it. Surely that's the whole point of the freedom so many have fought and died for.
Fair enough but he'll have to live with the consequences of his decisions. He was flying at Sunderland before this started and once the fans got on his back his career fell apart. Now the fans of his new club will be against him before he's even kicked a competitive ball for them. Not to mention his team mates. Are those the actions of an intelligent individual?
Sound like the actions of one who sticks to what he believes in, which I have a lot of respect for. I honestly think people just misunderstand him and jump on a bandwagon.
What he believes in? If disrespecting another Country's anthem is what he believes in then I don't know how you could respect that. Especially the one in which he earns a very handsome salary
"He's just misunderstood" is usually a euphemism for he's a bloody awkward c*nt we just can't handle in whatever walk of life they happen to work in. I spent over 20 years as a union rep trying to defend the indefensible for many who were 'misunderstood'...
Is he though? It's not like he's talking during it or waving an Irish flag. He's just very politely not observing it because he deems it to represent a conflict which personally affected his family. David Campese (probably wrong spelling) used to turn his back on the haka and kick balls through the posts. That was disrespectful.
Instead of turning his back, he could have just shut his eyes and thought about the next tattoo he as going to add to his 'sleeve' or what gawdy paint job to have on his Bentley, rather like what most of the England players do during the National Anthem.
I think turning his back is disrespectful .................. no one is forcing him to sing. To me, not wearing a poppy is just as disrespectful. It is only right to acknowledge those who lost their lives whilst serving our countries. The Irish served with the many from the Commonwealth. He is thumbing his nose at his own people. Plain dumb ignorance, if you ask me.
