TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2231071/James-McClean-refuses-wear-poppy.html?ito=feeds-newsxml Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duesseldorf Citizen Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Don't agree with him, but it's his right to do so. Freddom of thought, freedom of speech. Everybody's allowed to have opinions not everone agrees with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfctim Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 I think it's understandable given what happened in Northern Ireland bloody sunday etc. He did not say anything disrespectful or prevent anyone else from wearing a poppy, he just chose not to associate himself with a cause he morally feels he cannot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fka dagest Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 My own thoughts are that I am sick of politics working its way into football. Maybe I imagined it, but I'm sure there was a time when football was more or less just about football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Players such as Podolski, Mertesacker, Riether, Huth and Hitzelsperger were all happy to wear poppy's, would they not of been just as obliged not to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrs Court Red Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's why poppies on shirts are a bad idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfctim Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Players such as Podolski, Mertesacker, Riether, Huth and Hitzelsperger were all happy to wear poppy's, would they not of been just as obliged not to? Yes they're entitled to make a choice for themselves - they chose to wear it. That's just a matter of personal opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Yes they're entitled to make a choice for themselves - they chose to wear it. That's just a matter of personal opinion. And he actively chose not to wear one, despite the fact thousands of Sunderland supporter's families undoubtedly lost their lives during the war, and maybe he should be reminded that up to 200,000 irishmen went to war and 30,000 never returned, but this boy has actually brought a minder over from Ireland to look after him, and now you can see why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfctim Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 So you think he should have been forced to where one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 So you think he should have been forced to where one? I think he should have respect for those that died in the same way everybody else had respect, i think this is more about his own ego than it is anything else, it would be daft to suggest otherwise after reading this article http://www.guardian....d-martin-oneill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynriley Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's an emotive subject , but as has been pointed out , it's a personal choice. There will be plenty inside AG today without one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's an emotive subject , but as has been pointed out , it's a personal choice. There will be plenty inside AG today without one. Including myself, but i haven't actively REFUSED to wear one, he has chosen to wear an alternative without one, whilst every other player in the premier league has worn one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrs Court Red Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 He failed his driving theory. Is that even possible? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynriley Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's still his personal choice. As my Mum used to say "Just because everyone else does it , doesn't mean you have to" !! Any particular reason you don't wear a poppy. Not a dig , just asking as this McClean thing seems to have pushed your buttons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcbcfc Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Brave men, women & children in some cases fought to allow us the liberty of free speech. While I disagree with his decision not to wear a poppy, I respect the fact it is his choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luke_bristol Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Good on him, I don't agree with him but at least he is standing up for what he believes in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepton red Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's a symbol of respect, respect for men and women of all colours, creeds and religions who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That some turn it into a personal PR stunt is disrespectful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Horsman Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Players such as Podolski, Mertesacker, Riether, Huth and Hitzelsperger were all happy to wear poppy's, would they not of been just as obliged not to? All of whom would be related no doubt to men and/or women who fought in either WW1 or WW2. McClean may have had relatives who suffered at the hands of the British during The Troubles, and as such this may have influenced his decision. Pure speculation I know, but may explain his actions. Either way he is entitled to his decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinnionForEngland Posted November 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 It's a symbol of respect, respect for men and women of all colours, creeds and religions who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That some turn it into a personal PR stunt is disrespectful. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRL Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 If he doesn't agree with it, he doesn't agree with it. Those that fought gave him that choice. Who is to say the British Army affected his family in some bad way in the past, there were plenty of atrocities in NI from both sides. He may have a Damn good reason not to support it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynriley Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 This. TFE , if you feel so strongly , can I ask why you won't be wearing a poppy? Again , not a dig , just curious as to why you feel he is in the wrong for doing the same as you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screech Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Does it matter, really? He has his own reasons for not doing so. I haven't bought a poppy since primary school, my, aren't I evil. There appears to be a cult of "must been seen doing this" attitude around, what happened to live and let live? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo7 Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Today is the 94th anniversary of Armistice Day when the "War to End All Wars" eventually came to an end. As I understand it, the Poppy is symbolic of the foreign fields (notably the Somme) on which so many (mainly conscripted men rather than professional soldiers) died as a direct consequence of the outdated (they hoped) Imperialist politics of the day, and was intended as a demonstration / reminder of the futility of war, in hope it would never happen again. It is therefore IMO very sad that the Poppy has become more associated with the support of British armed forces fighting current battles abroad than with highlighting the futility of war BUT this is undeniably the case. I have little doubt that Afghanistan will feature highly in the pre-match ritual at Ashton Gate this afternoon just as the troubles in Northern Ireland featured heavily in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Against this background it is not surprising to me that many of an Irish Republican persuasion (whether raised in Derry / Londonderry or not) are unwilling to participate. And in case I am inviting this response, it has precisely nothing to do with willingness to live and earn a living on the UK mainland. Without the option of non-participation (without criticism) - participation is meaningless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Today is the 94th anniversary of Armistice Day when the "War to End All Wars" eventually came to an end. As I understand it, the Poppy is symbolic of the foreign fields (notably the Somme) on which so many (mainly conscripted men rather than professional soldiers) died as a direct consequence of the outdated (they hoped) Imperialist politics of the day, and was intended as a demonstration / reminder of the futility of war, in hope it would never happen again. It is therefore IMO very sad that the Poppy has become more associated with the support of British armed forces fighting current battles abroad than with highlighting the futility of war BUT this is undeniably the case. I have little doubt that Afghanistan will feature highly in the pre-match ritual at Ashton Gate this afternoon just as the troubles in Northern Ireland featured heavily in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Against this background it is not surprising to me that many of an Irish Republican persuasion (whether raised in Derry / Londonderry or not) are unwilling to participate. And in case I am inviting this response, it has precisely nothing to do with willingness to live and earn a living on the UK mainland. Without the option of non-participation (without criticism) - participation is meaningless. Indeed. To turn political correctness around for a moment it has almost become pc to wear a poppy these days. I always buy a poppy to commemorate those who died in WW1 on the Somme, Passchendaele etc. but McLean has every right to decide not to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne allisons tongues Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 I always buy a poppy, but thing that annoys me is the way people are forced to wear one. Perfect example tv, every single person on tv now wears a poppy for in the past people have complained they haven't and now it's politically correct to wear one. Why can't people have a choice of wearing it, go shopping and don't buy a poppy say you've got one already and get told why your not wearing it and made to feel bad. I wear it on the 11th that's rememberance day you don't have your Easter eggs before Easter or Xmas presents on the 18th December. People should be allowed to have a choice and not to be made to feel they have to wear one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Red Hat Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeble Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 I think he should have respect for those that died in the same way everybody else had respect, i think this is more about his own ego than it is anything else, it would be daft to suggest otherwise after reading this article http://www.guardian....d-martin-oneill One of the things people fought for, was the right to make their own decisions. You could argue that making the free choice not to wear a poppy, also respects the achievement of the fallen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldstandrobin Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 I served in the Royal Air Force. I wear my poppy to remember those of all services AND civilians who gave their lives in all conflicts so we can endulge in an open and not secret forum like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Red Hat Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 Here's an interesting article, http://gu.com/p/3btdk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keepers Ball Posted November 11, 2012 Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 All of whom would be related no doubt to men and/or women who fought in either WW1 or WW2. McClean may have had relatives who suffered at the hands of the British during The Troubles, and as such this may have influenced his decision. Pure speculation I know, but may explain his actions. Either way he is entitled to his decision. And plenty of his own fellow Countrymen died in the two world wars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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