GARETH McAULEY believes his former West Brom team-mate James McClean ‘doesn’t help himself’ after he stated he receives more abuse than any other footballer.
The Stoke winger took to social media last week where he rightly supported the Black Lives Matter movement, but insisted authorities haven’t helped him when he’s been targeted online.
Stoke winger James McClean has spoken of the years of abuse he has receivedCredit: Rex Features
McClean, 31, questioned whether one certain type of discrimination holds higher bearing than another, after Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick were the victims of vile racist messages.
But McAuley has stated his actions from his career have led to fans disliking him.
The ex-Sunderland man has endured years of abuse from fans in England due to his decision not to wear a poppy.
This is because of his affinity to Derry and the role of the British Army during The Troubles.
Commenting on McClean’s comments on Twitter, McAuley wrote in his column for the Belfast Telegraph: “My old pal and West Brom team-mate James McClean had a point when he stated on social media last week that he is probably the most abused footballer in England.
“I’ve played alongside James and heard the derogatory comments launched in his direction from the stands, never mind read the abuse dished out to him on the internet. It’s disconcerting.
JAM IT IN
“While Zaha is being targeted because of the colour of his skin, something he has absolutely no control over, James is not being singled out because he is Irish.
“Thousands of Irish players over the years have been welcomed into the professional game in England.
“It’s James’ actions, decisions and outbursts that have turned football fans, even from the clubs he plays for, against him.”
He added: “It was not helped when he proudly dressed up on Instagram in a balaclava to home school his kids. Joke or not, it was seriously insensitive.
“Then there was the time on a West Brom tour to the United States when James made sure he had his back turned to the Union Jack and subsequently the Stars and Stripes.
“It was noted by proud Baggies fans and not forgotten. Yet another sign of disrespect.
McClean’s former West Brom team-mate Gareth McAuley has stated that he “doesn’t help himself”Credit: PA:Press Association
“James often points out that no one in the game stands up for him or affords him support, but he was offered help by the FA during his time at West Brom and refused to engage with football’s governing body because he said they hadn’t helped him out quickly enough in the past.
“At times, he really doesn’t help himself. James could easily have voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter sentiment and left it at that. Let others rally behind him.
“But I would also ask, what was he again doing on social media when he was banned by the club following his balaclava antics at the start of lockdown?”
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson speaks about ‘cowardly and despicable’ racial abuse levelled at Wilfried Zaha before Aston Villa match
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
