Northern Ireland

James McClean apologises to "respectful" fans over cavemen comment

Derry footballer, James McClean said that as a "role model" he knows he's expected to tolerate the abuse he suffered last weekend.
Derry footballer, James McClean said that as a "role model" he knows he's expected to tolerate the abuse he suffered last weekend. Derry footballer, James McClean said that as a "role model" he knows he's expected to tolerate the abuse he suffered last weekend.

Republic of Ireland footballer, James McClean has issued an apology to what he described as the majority of Stoke City fans who have remained “respectful” of his decision not to wear a poppy.

The Derry footballer was “warned” by the English FA after he described Middlesbrough fans and a small number of Stoke City fans who abused him following last Saturday’s game as “uneducated cavemen.” The Ireland star re-acted angrily, saying that he was abused and threatened on a weekly basis because he was an “Irish Catholic.”

It emerged later in the week that both McClean and his wife, Erin have been subjected to ongoing threats over his refusal to wear a poppy. Stoke City manager, Gary Rowett also revealed that “abusive packages” were sent to the footballer at the club’s training ground.

Following the conclusion of an investigation into the affair by Stoke City, McClean yesterday apologised to those fans who did not join in the attacks on him.

In a statement on the club website, he said: “At last Saturday’s game a section of our supporters threatened and abused me because of my religious beliefs and upbringing.

“I am certain that no fair-minded person would regard that as acceptable but I recognise that as a professional footballer, and therefore a role model, I’m expected to tolerate it.”

McClean offered a “sincere” apology for any offence he caused by his comments and posting on Instagram.

He said: “Whilst I do not believe it is appropriate for me to apologise to those fans who abused me, I do want to whole-heartedly apologise to the vast majority of Stoke City fans who, although they may have different views to myself, are decent and respectful.”