James McClean turns his back on the flag of St George as British national anthem is played
Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes has backed Derry man James McClean after the West Brom player allegedly refused to acknowledge the English national flag before a friendly in America.
The Republic of Ireland international failed to turn to face the cross of St George during the anthem ceremony ahead of a pre-season friendly the US on Saturday.
His actions drew huge criticism on social media, with Twitter users labelling the 26-year-old “scum”.
But Barnes backed the Derry man for his actions.
The light flyweight boxer told the Irish Daily Star: “I will back James or anybody who stands up for what they believe in.
“He’s being tortured online for this and other things he stands up for.
“Whether people agree with what he did or not, they need to just accept it and get on with their lives.”
Barnes, 28, sparked his own Twitter storm last year during after the podium medal presentation when he was caught on camera saying the North’s unofficial “Danny Boy” anthem wasn’t his.
McClean’s actions left no-nonsense boss Tony Pulis unhappy and he spoke with the player post-match at the Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston.
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