As a person of Irish descent born in England I can see both sides of the argument.
The British troops didnt cover themselves in glory in the 70's over in Ireland.
We have their forefathers to thank for the fact we live in a free and democratic society, which is why McLean has the freedom to express his opinions.

Fair points Knotty.

The troops did not always cover themselves in glory,but they were being slaughtered by the i ra,who did not fight face to face,but used the community to hide behind.
It was bound to be messy,as all coflicts are.Once you get the guns and bombs out,people will get hurt.The ra decided to go down that road.

The debate is nothing to do with NI - the debate is McLean disrespected those unfortunate souls who have lost their lives in various conflicts throughout the years throughout the world.

Wearing a Poppy is a symbol of respect and more so a symbol of a future without war and death.

Hang your heads in shame those who cannot and will not give respect.

So everyone who did not wear a poppy was making a statement against the British army?

No just anyone who refuses to wear one.

No-one is forcing McClean to wear one, but many on here suggest Sunderland should have forced him...
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No I think Sunderland should have given him a choice.

They should have told him that Sunderland FC supports Remeberance Day unequivocally and said to him that although they understand his difficulties in wearing a poppy because of his personal views and beliefs, that when you go out on that pitch you represent Sunderland FC not James Mclean, therefore you can choose to play today and wear the poppy or choose to make yourself unavailable for selection today.

i really have seen a different side to some posters on ja606 regarding this poppy thing.....

england is supposed a multicultural place where you have freedom of choice and freedom of speech...

to say "well you live and earn a wage here , you should have to wear the poppy"...do you know how bigoted that is....you are showing bigotry to a person of another culture and country of birth

i have full respect for people who died in the great wars btw......

england is supposed a multicultural place where you have freedom of choice and freedom of speech

If freedom of speech means we have to put up with nut jobs like Abu Qatada,the you can shove it up your ass.

england is supposed a multicultural place where you have freedom of choice and freedom of speech

If freedom of speech means we have to put up with nut jobs like Abu Qatada,the you can shove it up your ass.


what a silly ,11 year old response ..........

bat out of hell - how anyone can not respect the Poppy and what it stands for is the arguement. I don't care what country you are from, what your culture is, what race, colour or creed you are. The Poppy is not religious and not political, it is simply a symbol of Rememberance and for that reason - every single person living in this 'multicultured society' should have absolutely no hesitation in wearing it.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mourinhou's Omlette:

'They should have told him that Sunderland FC supports Remeberance Day unequivocally and said to him that although they understand his difficulties in wearing a poppy because of his personal views and beliefs, that when you go out on that pitch you represent Sunderland FC not James Mclean, therefore you can choose to play today and wear the poppy or choose to make yourself unavailable for selection today'.

Well said Omlette.

Bat

McClean should not have to wear the poppy.

As a Sunderland player,out of respect for the club traditions and fans,perhaps he could have joined his fellow Mackems,rather than thinking about himself.

You were shouting about Eire a couple of days ago,but people there used to be spat on and attacked for wearing the poppy.............and now,that tradition has been removed from Eire.

Care to analyse that,before slating England and the UK,genuinely multi-cultural,and home to millions of Irish folk.

"bat out of hell - how anyone can not respect the Poppy and what it stands for is the arguement. I don't care what country you are from, what your culture is, what race, colour or creed you are. The Poppy is not religious and not political, it is simply a symbol of Rememberance and for that reason - every single person living in this 'multicultured society' should have absolutely no hesitation in wearing it."

blue....im not even going to retort to that disgusting accusation about spitting on poppies ..that is absolute garbage ...and shame on you for saying that ....

and might i remind you what happens to the irish tri color during marching season.......


besides all that .....the poppy is not for everyone..and nobody should be forced to wear one if they dont choose...

as ive stated above ...i have respect for the fallen..but i am behind freedom of choice and speech...

and yes blue....i was harping on the other night that i am a product of a catholic /protestant upbringing so spare the guff for someone else

actually..

lifes to short to be listening to be arguing to complete strangers

im off this thread

g,night

Bat

People were spat on and attacked for wearing poppies in Dublin.I have studied Irish History and Politic's,and perhaps you should read up on the subject.
As I type,BBC NI are doing a programme on sectarianism suffered by Protestant and Chinese boxers,from Sandy Row.
At the Cliftonville v Linfield game last Saturday,Cliftonville fans booed the minute's silence for Remembrance Day.
In parts of NI,people are abused for wearing the poppy.
At Uni in Belfast,republican students campaigned against the poppy,or wore white one's.

Tricolours are burnt,but so are Union and Ulster flags,as this can be a tribal zone.

When I said Lest We Forget,you came off with a daft comment,along the lines of Lest we forget Eire.To say you were sparing someone else the guff............aye,nice try.

Goodnight Bat

You can read this tomorrow.

Sometimes,we have to discuss difficult and sensitive issues.