As ever, a lot of ridiculous stuff written, chanted and said about James McLean this weekend and will likely continue over the next week too.
What seems to have went under the radar though is Nemanja Matic's decision to not wear a poppy as well. I didn't even know he didn't wear one until last night which tells you just how much attention was paid to his decision.
He's released a statement today:
"I recognise fully why people wear poppies, I totally respect everyone's right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict.
"However, for me it is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Vrelo, as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999.
"Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt.
"I do not want to undermine the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or offend anyone, however, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal choice for the reasons outlined.
"I hope everyone understands my reasons now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead."
Perfectly understandable from him as is any explanation from anyone to not wear one, not that they should have to explain themselves.
Hardly any backlash to him though and it's actually borderline sickening when you consider what McLean is going through, especially at their game on Saturday.
I've always thought he was maybe trying too hard over it and almost loving the attention but i don't think he does now, he's being subjected to horrendous amounts of abuse everywhere he goes and as he's quite rightly stated, he's a "proud feni@n" and good on him for telling the FA to go fluck themselves today after what he had to endure on Saturday and an investigation into his statements rather than the racist and sectarian abuse he suffered
I should also add, i never thought i'd say these words but credit to Adrian Durham on talksport on Friday, thought he got it spot on.
NNH
Nemanja Matic and James McLean
posted on 6/11/18
comment by JukeboxJunkie (U10162)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Ben Hutchinson (U1734)
posted 16 hours, 10 minutes ago
comment by atheist (U2783)
posted 46 seconds ago
Right Ben, WTF is ARE culture\/
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You know, like fish and chips, christmas, darts, egg on toast etc. If they want to live in are country, they need to respect are rules.
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Like Britain did when it steamrolled it's way over a third of the world?
Most of British culture is stolen
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Most of the worlds culture is stolen.
Not sure what they point is other than that Britain was more successful.
posted on 6/11/18
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 6/11/18
My point was that is the default argument trotted out by British nationalists. (Having read thru the rest of the thread, I realise your man was planting seeds for his wind up).
Always laugh at folk who try to claim culture as nation specific.. it's a heap of p¡sh
posted on 6/11/18
comment by TTliv87 (U11882)
posted 14 hours, 48 minutes ago
McClean is an eye are eh supporter and he uses the sob story to hide his real reason why he hates the poppy. Here's hoping he bumps into one of those dumb cavemen.
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Fat ersehole versus professional athlete?
Impossible to call, that one,
posted on 6/11/18
As if a footballer is gonna hang about Stoke.. the place is an absolute dump.
Guaranteed he only ever sees the place when having to go to games
posted on 6/11/18
comment by JukeboxJunkie (U10162)
posted 22 minutes ago
As if a footballer is gonna hang about Stoke.. the place is an absolute dump.
Guaranteed he only ever sees the place when having to go to games
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you've got grumpy in your old age
posted on 6/11/18
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 10 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by simon_bhoy - the happiest tim in the world (U16215)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 26 seconds ago
comment by simon_bhoy - the happiest tim in the world (U16215)
posted 22 seconds ago
I wear one because I think the red goes quite nicely with my navy suit.
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And white socks😊
Yyeeeooowww!
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white pocket square perhaps
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White baseball cap.😳
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Did he get it from Alan Gow?
posted on 6/11/18
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 6/11/18
Respect ARE culture!
posted on 6/11/18
comment by Call Sign: Invictus (U3627)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
comment by JukeboxJunkie (U10162)
posted 22 minutes ago
As if a footballer is gonna hang about Stoke.. the place is an absolute dump.
Guaranteed he only ever sees the place when having to go to games
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you've got grumpy in your old age
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Consolations to your boy’s team the other day mate, but fair play getting there in the first place. Was in no shape to reply to messages the other day