The Candid and Controversial Interview with James McClean: Unveiling the Untold Truths

The hate eats away at him, tainting his professional encounters and infiltrating every aspect of his social media presence. Waking up to death threats and receiving abhorrent direct messages before bed has become a disturbing routine for James McClean. It's difficult for him to recall a time when this wasn't his harsh reality, considering it has persisted for 11 long years.

At the age of 23, his life took a significant turn as he made the decision to stay true to himself, his roots, and his beliefs. McClean originates from Creggan, a residential area located in Derry, Northern Ireland, which sits adjacent to County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

While many residents refer to it as Londonderry, the 2021 UK census reveals that a majority of the population identifies as Irish, in accordance with the rights granted by the Good Friday Agreement. This landmark agreement played a vital role in reducing violence and turmoil within the region.

In 1972, an incident known as 'Bloody Sunday' took place in Derry, where British soldiers opened fire on a civil rights march. This act of violence resulted in the tragic death of 13 unarmed individuals, with others sustaining injuries, including one who passed away later. The findings of the Saville Inquiry conducted in 2010 revealed that those who were fired at did not pose any threat of causing death or serious injury, nor were they found in possession of firearms. Shockingly, some victims had been shot in the back while attempting to escape, one was injured while attending to his dying child, and another lost his life instantly after being struck by a bullet in the head while waving a piece of cloth.

Many soldiers purposely provided false accounts in an attempt to justify their actions, which holds significance in comprehending why McClean, while playing for Sunderland against Everton on November 10, 2012, refused to wear a shirt adorned with a red poppy on its chest.

The club, Sunderland AFC, fully supports the Remembrance Commemorations. It should be noted that James made a personal decision to not wear a shirt during this time. As a result of this situation, McClean faced death threats and was questioned by the police due to their frequency and severity.

The abuse continued relentlessly, happening almost every matchday. Two years later, while playing for Wigan, McClean expressed his thoughts in a letter addressed to the chairman, Dave Whelan.

Despite McClean's explanations, which were supported by the British Royal Legion, he still endures ongoing anti-Irish and anti-Catholic abuse. The abuse includes death threats, even extending to his wife Erin and their four young children. The public perception of McClean as a "troublemaker," "controversial," and a "hate-baiter" is completely different from the reality of a humble, quietly charitable, proud native of Creggan who is devoted to his family. McClean is also a passionate advocate for autism awareness, as his daughter Willow-Ivy is autistic, and he recently discovered that he himself is on the autism spectrum.

Now a part of Wrexham's team, McClean represents durability. With exceptional physical condition, he consistently outperforms others in pre-season bleep tests, making him incredibly valuable in football due to his rarely occurring injuries. Furthermore, McClean's extensive international career boasts an impressive milestone, as he is one of only seven Irish players to reach 100 appearances.

Throughout his career, the statement "he brings it on himself" has become strongly associated with the 34-year-old. Certain former teammates and prominent analysts have suggested that McClean should have chosen the path of least resistance: wearing the poppy, remaining silent, and focusing solely on his job.

Others respect his right to decide whether or not he wears one, but are displeased with his response to the abuse he endures. He showcases his Free Derry tattoo, taunts opposing fans, and shares provocative posts on social media. McClean has endured relentless hatred for over ten years, forcing him to constantly defend himself. This battle has taken a toll on him and has deeply traumatized his family.

During a rare interview, he sits down with We News to discuss his experiences.

You have not had many opportunities to dedicate yourself solely to football and savor the sport. It appears that you have spent well over a decade in constant struggle, often tackling challenges on your own...

Yeah, I know it's not perfect, but it has definitely made me stronger. Sometimes, you just have to face the challenges head-on. Most of the time, I have to face them by myself.

You mentioned the importance of resilience in this field and the need for toughening up. However, it shouldn't be your burden to bear all the negativity and mistreatment.

No, I'm aware. However, I quickly discovered that I could only rely on myself because there was very little assistance available. I've expressed this sentiment before and still stand by it. I have been highly critical of the FA for their lack of support over the years, but recently they have taken action against clubs on two occasions (Blackpool and Millwall were both charged this year for the abuse directed towards McClean from the crowd. Blackpool received a £35,000 fine in July).

Therefore, although I have been critical, I will also give credit where it is due. Currently, it is due because they have taken action. This is a step in the right direction and hopefully it will eradicate the issue. However, if it fails to do so, I will continue to do what I have always done and confront the problem head-on. It's worth noting that there were only three charges in 11 years, but now there have been two in the past few months. So, as I mentioned earlier, it's better late than never. I won't hold my breath, but we'll see how things progress.

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Not only are we discussing the inappropriate sectarian chanting, but there have also been instances of receiving death threats and various other terrible things targeted towards your family.

Certainly. I have developed a resilience towards such negativity. Growing up in my environment has made me strong-willed and determined, surrounded by individuals who are resistant and proud. I am willing to endure verbal abuse directed at me, but when it involves my children and family, that is completely unacceptable. It exceeds all boundaries and becomes an entirely different situation.

Feeling fear or unease is inevitable, especially when faced with threats such as receiving menacing messages or images of violence. It's frustrating because we find ourselves in a situation where our actions are limited. Any form of retaliation would automatically label us as the wrongdoers. On the other hand, these individuals who provoke us seem to have free rein and often go unpunished. Considering the consequences we would face, it's simply not worth engaging in any form of retaliation. So, that's the unfortunate reality, isn't it?

It's intriguing how you bring up an interesting perspective. Whenever you have taken a stand for yourself in the face of abuse, you have experienced a strong backlash and a surge of criticism, often being labeled as the most despised and mistreated footballer in Britain. This is mainly because you have been one of the few to stand up for yourself, as for the majority of your career, no one else has done so on your behalf.

Certainly, I am unable to alter people's perception of me; perceptions and reality are entirely separate entities. Those who judge me have never truly gotten to know me or spent any time with me. We all possess different sets of values, and I simply request to be treated with respect.

I wouldn't comment, "Oh, look at him wearing a poppy." Others having differing viewpoints doesn't trouble me. I acknowledge that people possess distinct values and beliefs, and I have respect for that. Disagreeing with the majority doesn't imply disrespect or hatred towards anyone. I merely desire reciprocated respect for my own convictions. It's that straightforward.

Regarding perception, do you think that standing up for yourself has led others to perceive you as aggressive?

I believe I am advocating for myself. I don't purposefully provoke conflicts or ignite disputes. It seems that there is a perception of me as a troublemaker, resulting in people not wanting me around their club because they believe I bring trouble. However, that is not the case. I have only had a negative relationship with one manager at Stoke before I departed. If you were to speak to any other manager or player throughout my career and ask them about my true character, you would receive a different perception than what is portrayed publicly.

Doesn't this situation become tiring? Isn't it exhausting? It must be, right?

Having to repeatedly explain oneself can be exhausting. It becomes tiresome. I acknowledge that I am not perfect, and I have made mistakes, such as the ill-advised Balaclava picture during the lockdown. I deeply regret that. Unfortunately, this incident has given people an opportunity to attribute everything negative to me. Anytime my name is mentioned, they immediately associate it with that picture.

It was a lapse in judgment on my part. I intended it to be a joke, but it was not received that way. It turned out to be a disastrous decision. This incident has provided justification for the abuse I have been receiving. However, it is important to note that this picture occurred in 2020 during the lockdown. I have been dealing with abuse since 2012. For eight years, I have faced criticism from all directions. But one mistake overshadows all the hate accumulated during that period. It is as if all the negative judgment is now solely based on this one incident, as if everything else I have experienced no longer matters. It is disheartening to hear people say, "You brought this upon yourself."

I regret sharing it on social media as it frustrates me that some people mistakenly believe that I sat down and taught my children about history. Let's be real. It was just a photo. I grew up right after the conflict, so I witnessed it firsthand and it left a lasting impact on me.

Unlike me, my children have no knowledge of the past events and their significance. It's not their fault, as they didn't experience it like I did. So it surprises me when some individuals actually think that I took the time to educate my kids on this matter. Seriously, let's be rational.

Every time I mention your name, people always say the same phrase: 'He brings it upon himself.' It's surprising to me how this phrase is used as an excuse for abuse, considering that back in 2012 when you chose not to wear the poppy, you were still young. You were respectful and clear about your reasons. Although you weren't allowed to express them publicly at that time, you eventually did...

Yes, I did explain my reasons for not wearing it. However, I didn't make a big fuss about it. I simply bow my head and silently protest. I don't jeer, make noise, or try to make it a spectacle. So the idea that I brought it upon myself is solely based on that one poor judgement call. People don't want to be open to learning. They hold onto their own views regardless. Hating on James McClean is just a popular thing to do.

I don't know why they hate me. They hate me simply because the person next to them hates me, and they believe that's just how it is. When I visit an opposing team's stadium on Saturdays or when their fans come to our home ground and I receive abuse, I have used it as fuel and motivation to keep going. If you're hurling insults at me, I'll use it as motivation because there's nothing else I can do. So for those 90 minutes, I might as well try to use it to my benefit.

What impact does all of this have on your family?

My mother is naturally an anxious and worried person. It has been particularly challenging for her because, while I have developed a mentality to handle difficult situations head-on, I sometimes forget to consider the impact it has on those who are supporting me and may not have the same mindset.

As a result, my wife has experienced a great deal of fear and worry over the years, similar to my mother. There have been instances where I haven't taken into account their emotions because I am so focused on confronting the issue directly. This has made it difficult for them. However, I have come to accept that it is unlikely to change, and I don't expect a significant shift in the future.

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McClean has played more than 100 times for Republic of Ireland since making his debut in 2012

Have they ever tried to say to you, stop…

The balaclava picture I posted on social media received severe backlash from all directions for an entire week. Over the years, they have made numerous attempts to discourage my passionate nature.

As the sole advocate for addressing anti-Irish and anti-Catholic abuse in football, along with other forms of discrimination such as homophobic and racist abuse, have you constantly found yourself in a defensive position due to feeling isolated in your stance?

I may have been a bit naive in thinking that my actions would pave the way for young Irish lads to take a stand, but it doesn't seem to be the case. I've spoken to many people and some players have mentioned that they don't believe in wearing the poppy and wouldn't wear it, but they simply don't want the hassle. I had hoped that by taking a stand, I would inspire them to do the same when they face situations they don't agree with. However, they might be afraid of the backlash, and I completely understand why they wouldn't want to go through that. It can be horrendous abuse and emotionally draining. But personally, I always believe that if you don't believe in something, you should take a stand.

You know what, after enduring years of abuse, maybe you will be the one to bring about change. We have now witnessed The FA taking action, which shouldn't have taken this long.

It has been a difficult journey, filled with many challenging days. However, if I can be the catalyst for change and create a safe environment for young Irish players to pursue their dreams without fear of abuse or repercussions, then all of my efforts will have been justified.

Of course, it happens. You could have a poor performance and a negative outcome, causing you to be out of shape. You might even be substituted and then subjected to abuse, which can greatly frustrate and annoy you. Sometimes, this frustration can escalate and affect your mood for a longer period than it should. No one is flawless. I mean, if you were constantly facing abuse every day... it's not about being perfect. It's simply a part of being human.

In the world of football, perfection is expected. You are required to conform and be a model professional. Stepping out of line is not tolerated and deemed controversial. I've already come across an article referring to me as a "controversial 100 cap international joining Phil Parkinson at Wrexham."

No matter what articles are written about me, even the positive ones, they always include a paragraph about the poppy. It feels like they keep recycling the same article every year. It's as if nobody cares. I will never wear a poppy, and this should not come as a surprise. It's time to let it go. However, the media insists on selling newspapers, clickbaiting, and doing whatever it takes.

Have you ever pondered, "I can no longer cope with this situation?"

If such a notion ever crossed my mind, succumbing to it would imply conceding defeat, which I staunchly refuse to do. For I will never grant them the gratification they seek.

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James McClean joined Wrexham this summer following his second stint with Wigan Athletic. Let's address the misconception surrounding him: McClean is actively involved in charity work, despite it going unnoticed due to his discreet nature. The only way we become aware of his contributions is when the individuals he has assisted come forward to share their stories.

It is crucial to assist those who are less fortunate if you have the means to do so. Occasionally, it is necessary to promote a cause in order for it to gain traction and receive greater attention and financial support. However, if you only help for self-centered reasons and to show off your actions, it undermines the true intent. The recipient of your help will still be grateful regardless, but constantly drawing attention to it diminishes its purpose.

Autism is a topic that holds great significance for you.

I am constantly learning alongside my daughter, so I still have much to learn about autism. I don't pretend to know everything about it because that would just show my ignorance. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. My daughter is incredibly content and happy, and her unique personality brings me joy. I wouldn't change a single thing. Being a parent to an autistic child has transformed me as a person. It has made me more mature and has opened my eyes to new perspectives.

After reflecting on my own experiences, I sought out diagnosis and discovered that autism is something I have had since birth. If I didn't have autism, I might not be in the same place or have the same level of passion for football. It is crucial to raise awareness about autism. When I shared my diagnosis with others, some responded with messages like "sorry to hear, get well soon." It highlighted the lack of understanding about autism. Autism is not an illness that can be cured. It is simply a part of who I am. I am not ashamed; in fact, I take pride in being autistic. By speaking up, I hope to inspire others and let them know that autism does not hinder one's ability to achieve their goals.

I understand that external opinions are inconsequential to you due to your strong self-assurance and convictions. However, do you have any thoughts to share with others?

I hold your beliefs in high regard, even if I do not uphold them in the same manner. I truly respect them. My only request is for reciprocated respect. Assess me based on our interactions. Refrain from making judgments when you lack knowledge about me, as it only reflects ignorance.