KEEP IT McCLEAN
O’Neill hits out at ‘unfair’ sectarian abuse
MICHAEL O’NEILL says West Bromwich Albion supporters will not bait James McClean – and has called for fans to self-police over any sectarian abuse.
Stoke City’s boss thinks the Baggies faithful will be more respectful of their former player tomorrow night as the winger has become the target of chants in recent weeks.
McClean, 30, who grew up in a strongly Republican area of Derry in Northern Ireland, refuses to wear a Remembrance poppy and has run the gauntlet from the stands.
There have been incidents at Huddersfield and Barnsley – with McClean himself invoking the protocol aimed at combating racism at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The Professional Footballers’ Association and the Kick It Out campaign have offered support to the Potters wideman and, ahead of what is usually a spiky affair, Ulsterman O’Neill (top, right) called for calm.
He said: “For some reason, James McClean is a symbol of this type of chanting. It’s unnecessary. It’s unfair on him, on his family and it’s not particularly pleasant.
“If the authorities have to assist, that will be the case, but I still look at people and think if someone behaves like that can you not turn around and say, ‘What are you doing?’
“It is racist, this behaviour. I grew up in a society with sectarianism, so I know full well what that’s like. I just hope supporters of clubs will realise it’s in no one’s benefit to behave like this.
“I think James will go there to show people at West Brom that he’s still a top player. I think in the period he was there he was very good for them so I think they will hopefully recognise that.
“I don’t envisage there will be any of the other issues we have seen with the away fans concerning this game.”
O’Neill said he will have a word with McClean before kick-off and praised his player for having the bravery to report the issue to the referee as he did in Stoke’s 5-2 victory over the Terriers.
The Potters boss added: “People are a product of the environment they grow up in and James has his belief and he’s stuck with his belief.
“It’s a brave thing for a player to report racism on the pitch as well.
“We don’t want supporters not being vocal, but they can without bringing racism or sectarianism into it.”