IRELAND SOCCER star James McClean has revealed how he was subjected to vile racist abuse on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
The 30-year-old Ireland international took to social media to share a letter, sent to him under a fake name and address, celebrating the events of January 30, 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Military in Derry.
“Bloody good laugh, happy anniversary. Enjoy the day fenian McClean,” the letter reads.
Commenting on the letter, the Stoke City star wrote: “No name, false address, he’s so brave. Rent free in these morons’ head.”
McClean is no stranger to sectarian abuse.
The Derryman first courted headlines on the subject after repeatedly refusing to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day.
McClean comes from the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry, where the British soldiers opened fire on civilian protestors.
As a result, he opposes the idea of wearing a symbol that supports the efforts of that same force.
Footballer James McClean has received a “Happy Anniversary” letter for Bloody Sunday, celebrating the killing of 13 unarmed civilians in Derry, signed from someone purporting to be UDA. This isnt the first time, but I’m just really saddened people do this. pic.twitter.com/LJcnpRz6uU
— aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) February 7, 2020
It’s a decision that has seen McClean come in for regular abuse by certain sections of rival supporters in the months and years that have followed.
McClean previously shared images of disturbing birthday card received in the post last November.
Describing McClean as a "Fenian sub human bastard", the card read "Happy Birthday and die on April 22".
It went on to describe Bobby Sands as the 1981 "Slimmer of the Year" before stating "What this country needs is someone called Hitler. He would have sorted this I.R.A in a month."
"You don't like this country and we don't like you,” the card continues. “It's about time these gutless English managers stood up to you and tell you to get back to sh*thouse called Derry.
"So you are f**king Irish international, any body can play for f**king Ireland. They give caps out in cornflake packets and you have to drink that muck called Guinness that qualifys [sic] you.
"They should have put the Waffen SS in Ireland. They would have used scorched earth tactics not like British politicians licking IRA arses.
"The fucking Irish will do anything for poxy Ireland, except live in that shithole.
"The Irish are a race of inbred, subhuman parasites breed like maggots.
"Bloody Sunday. Blood Good laugh.
"13 nil to us. Ha ha ha ha.
"Should have been 13,000 of you sub human bastards."
McClean shared images of the birthday card online with the simple caption: “no words needed”.
