James McClean turns back on 'God Save the Queen'

Derry’s James McClean is facing calls for him to be sacked by his new club, West Bromwich Albion, after he turned his back on the British national anthem during his first appearance for the Baggies yesterday.

The Creggan man refused to face the Union flag during the playing of “God Save the Queen” prior to the Barclays Premiership club’s 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Charleston.

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international was last month signed from Wigan Athletic by Tony Pulis for an undisclosed sum believed to be in the region of £1.5 million.

McClean’s actions have outraged a number of Baggies fans who have taken to social media to express their anger, with a number calling for him to be dismissed.

One said: “Something has to be done here. This is a racist, disrespectful attack on my great country. The FA should throw the book at him. All sponsors should withdraw from the the FA and WBA. I’m seething here, absolute livid. He should be sacked.”

However, a number of “tweeters” are backing the Derry man’s stance.

One said: “James McClean has done nothing wrong! We live in a country where freedom of expression is a corner stone of our belief.”

Another described him as a “good man” and a “man of principles.”

Another said: “Fair play to James McClean. Stuck to what he believes despite media pressure.”

It is not the first time McClean has caused controversy.

He has been continually criticised for his refusal to wear a Poppy on his jersey while playing for Sunderland and Wigan.