James McClean is at the centre of yet another debate about sectarianism in football, with the Ireland international receiving a sickening card in the post.
McClean has been the target of some disgraceful abuse in recent years, related mainly to his refusal to wear the remembrance poppy on his jersey. He has repeatedly explained his reasons for doing so, but this has not been enough for certain sections of the English support.
With the authorities in England continually preaching tolerance and anti-racism messages, some have questioned why little has been done to deter the abuse received by the Stoke winger.
An absolute disgrace to have to receive the death threats and racial abuse that @JamesMcC_14 does. Not one race or religion is superior to another!! Where are your voices now @FA @EFL @kickitout? Or does this not apply to him? #EqualGame https://t.co/8VHiiRwKbc
— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) May 1, 2019
Kick It Out, an anti-racism authority, has released now a statement on the matter this evening.
Our statement on the sectarian abuse James McClean continues to face: https://t.co/QynhVa25Qu#KickItOut pic.twitter.com/NCIcNTGZBI
— Kick It Out (@kickitout) May 1, 2019
We reiterate our stance, which we have previously made clear: sectarian abuse is discriminatory and should be dealt with accordingly. It has no place in football.
Kick It Out has been in continuous contact with Stoke City on this issue and have offered our support to James McClean. The vicious treatment he continues to receive is a disgrace and brings shame upon the sport.
This season we have received two reports of sectarian abuse directed towards James, both of which we have forwarded to the relevant authorities to investigate, as per protocol.
We encourage anyone who is a victim or witness of sectarian abuse in England to report it to us.
While this is a welcome development, it is not anywhere near enough. McClean continues to receive sickening abuse at a number of grounds around England, which has yet to be punished by the relevant authorities.
Sectarianism has not been treated in the serious nature you would hope it would be. Was the abuse racially motivated in a different manner, it likely would have been put to an end a long time ago. It is time for the FA step up.
