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McClean angers his critics again

James McClean pictured appearing to turn his back to the British national anthem during a West Brom friendly in South Carolina
James McClean pictured appearing to turn his back to the British national anthem during a West Brom friendly in South Carolina James McClean pictured appearing to turn his back to the British national anthem during a West Brom friendly in South Carolina

Republic of Ireland soccer player James McClean has become embroiled in controversy again after appearing to snub the British national anthem at a game in the US for his new club.

The summer signing for West Bromwich Albion appeared to turn his back as God Save The Queen began playing during his club's pre-season friendly.

Despite being man of the match, the midfielder, who also opted against wearing a remembrance poppy when he played with Wigan Athletic and Sunderland as it would "be a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles", drew a strong reaction against and in favour of his gesture on social media.

The 26-year-old was branded "scum" and an "attention seeker" and also told that he "should go back to Ireland" on Twitter; a number of users also threw explicit language in his direction.

But there was strong support as well, with many users labelling him a "hero". Others argued that the abuse he received was harsh and that he should be free to express his beliefs with one Twitter posting supporting him.

"James McClean grew up in a town where innocent civilians were shot down and murdered in cold blood by the British Army," said one tweet.

Another referred to the controversy over the Queen pictured in a Nazi salute.

"James McClean won't stand for the woman who does the Nazi salute and thousands are fuming at him. That is England in a nutshell."

However others vented their anger saying: "If James McClean is so strong on his principles, why ply his trade here (England)?"

The national anthem is not typically played at domestic matches or in European competition, but the US national anthem is played before games stateside with the national anthem of the visiting team played in return.

In a video shot by Charelston Battery, players turn towards one end of the stadium, presumably where the Stars and Stripes and Union Flag are hanging, while McClean initially turns but then faces forward and bows his head.

The 'Baggies' eventually won 2-1 with Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye on target.

McClean chose not to wear a poppy during a Premier League game at Everton in November 2012 when he played for Sunderland, but later said the Black Cats did not let him explain why.

He maintained his stance when he moved to Wigan in August 2013. During that season, he wrote a letter to then-chairman Dave Whelan explaining that while he has "complete respect" for those who fought in both world wars, the poppy had "come to mean something different" in the years since.

Wigan then published the letter on their website.

The midfielder did not post anything on his Twitter profile in relation to the incident.

West Brom management also declined to comment.