James McClean turns his back on national anthem. Disrespect or free speech in action?
Jul 21, 2015, 09:00 AM
Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean has sparked anger by turning his back on the British national anthem during his club's pre-season tour in the US. Premier League star McClean was seen to face away from the flag of St George as he stood alongside his West Bromwich Albion team-mates who were lining up to face South Carolina-based United Soccer League club Charleston Battery.
The 26-year-old previously refused to wear a poppy on his kit in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday while playing for Sunderland and Wigan Athletic, saying it would have been disrespectful to the 'innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles'.