James McClean Recounts 'Hung Out to Dry' by Sunderland Over Poppy Stance, Death Threat Fear

Footballer James McClean has revealed he felt his former club, Sunderland, "hung him out to dry" over his decision not to wear a poppy. The 37-year-old, who was born in Northern Ireland, has consistently refused to wear the poppy, citing it as disrespectful to those who died during the Troubles.

McClean, who also played in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion, explained that the club's initial statement in 2012, supporting the poppy appeal while stating it was his personal decision, drew significant attention to him. He told The Guardian that the club had assured him the situation would resolve itself, but he felt they had a duty of care that was not met. "I’d won the player of the year the previous season but I felt they hung me out to dry," he stated.

The controversy escalated when a death threat was made against McClean if he appeared on the pitch for a game against Fulham. The threat led to police protection outside his home. "I remember Erin [his wife] panicking," McClean recalled. "It sounds extreme and people might say: ‘Oh, wise up, you’re not going to be shot on TV.’ But the night before the game I was assigned two police officers to stand outside my door. So the Met police took it seriously and that made it more real."

McClean has maintained his stance throughout his career, facing considerable abuse from some supporters who view his refusal as an insult to armed forces personnel. He has previously indicated that he would wear the poppy if it solely commemorated those who died in World War I and World War II. His history includes calls for a united Ireland and a controversial photograph in a balaclava. He also recently clashed with Birmingham City supporters, calling one a "smelly fat gammon" after a cup of Bovril was thrown at him.

McClean has also spoken about his current situation at his hometown club, Derry City. He was signed in January on a multi-year deal but the club reportedly attempted to terminate his contract in August, citing unfitness to play or train. McClean has described this as "incomprehensible" and a "dangerous precedent." He expressed disappointment, stating, "You never think you’ll be betrayed by your own so it’s painful."

He admitted to The Guardian that he sometimes deliberately provokes reactions, saying, "There were days where I went looking for the conflict."