Updated 12.05
POLICE IN ENGLAND are investigating death threats made against Sunderland winger James McClean following his decision not to wear a poppy.
Black Cats manager Martin O’Neill again defended McClean after the 23-year-old was booed by a section of fans when he came on as a substitute during yesterday’s 3-1 win at Fulham.
The news comes as another rising Irish international, Donegal defender Seamus Coleman, was also targeted by abusive messages on Twitter following the weekend’s Premier League action.
McClean was the only Sunderland player not to wear a jersey embroidered with a poppy on Remembrance Weekend. Although Sunderland said that the decision was a “personal choice,” the Derry native sparked a public debate with many criticising him while others supported his right to choose.
Northumbria Police are investigating reports of death threats made against McClean, BBC said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Everton have condemned the Twitter abuse received by Coleman following the Toffees’ 2-1 defeat at Reading.
Coleman, who was named man of the match following his impressive performance for Ireland against Greece, was criticised after he conceded the late penalty which allowed Adam LeFondre to score Reading’s winner on Saturday.
“We 100% abhor every single one of those comments made by mindless individuals who have shown no respect for the strong links Everton has with its Irish supporters,” a club spokesman told the Donegal News.
