James McClean has slammed the English FA for failing to act on the “sickening” sectarian abuse he has faced at football matches for years.
“Myself, as well as my family, have been on the end of sickening abuse since Nov 2012. “For my son, who is seven years old and watches every Wigan game either being at the stadium or on Latics tv, to be asking his mother: “Why are they booing and singing that song at Daddy?” and to have to tiptoe around answering him is something which should not be happening,” he said. “Every single year I challenge them on the abuse; every single year they do nothing.”
Wigan Athletic's chairman has called for an end to the “shameful and disgusting” abuse of their player James McClean.
“More times than not, action is only taken when it’s too late, when a person has been hurt either by other ‘adults’ or by themselves, after enduring emotional and mental abuse. “So much emphasis and effort is put into the younger generation and the prevention of bullying. Hurting a human emotionally is as equal as hurting them physically.
The English FA says it will investigate claims by James McClean that he was the subject of sectarian abuse last weekend.In a post on social media, ...
The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland winger hit out in a social media post.
“I should not have to report every single incident when clearly they can all hear what I hear and they should be doing their job by taking action.” “The FA looks into any alleged discriminatory language or behaviour that is reported to us, and we work closely with the clubs and relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.” “Considering every single year we have an FA representative come into each club to discuss the same old cr** they spew to us about discrimination, every single year I challenge them on the abuse, every single year they do nothing.”
A statement on the club's official website on Monday said: “Sunderland AFC has a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination.
“The FA looks into any alleged discriminatory language or behaviour that is reported to us, and we work closely with the clubs and relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.” The Football Association, which has previously met with McClean and the EFL and police to discuss the discrimination he has faced, is understood to be aware of the chants and is investigating. “Everyone attending, working or taking part in a football match at the Stadium of Light has the right to feel safe, valued and included and the club encourages all supporters to continue to play their part.” “The club is committed to providing an inclusive, family-friendly environment at the Stadium of Light and strongly condemns any supporter found to be engaging in any form of discriminatory behaviour. “Considering every single year we have an FA representative come into each club to discuss the same old cr** they spew to us about discrimination, every single year I challenge them on the abuse, every single year they do nothing.” The abuse thrown at James McClean by some sections of the Stadium of Light have prompted Sunderland to stress that they have 'zero tolerance' for discrimination.