REPUBLIC of Ireland winger James McClean is taking legal action against UUP councillor Chris McGimpsey over comments made on the Nolan Show.
Solicitors for Creggan-born McClean, Finucane Toner Solicitors, said that the Stoke City footballer was taking legal action after Councillor McGimpsey made a “false and highly defamatory statement” on the BBC Radio Ulster programme on November 7 2018.
Legal proceedings against the veteran UUP councillor are set to begin at Belfast High Court today, Wednesday, March 13.
“Our client is a well-known professional footballer who plays at the highest levels of the game in England, and has respented his country with distinction on over sixty occasions,” a statement from Finucane Toner read.
“We are disappointed that, to date, no apology has been forthcoming from Mr McGimpsey, and ultimately Mr McClean has had to seek the recourse of the Courts in order to protect and vindicate his reputation.
“He will do so on each and every occasion that unfounded, inflammatory and dangerous allegations are made against him, and he retains every confidence that these proceedings, which commence on March 13 in the High Court, will uphold his good name.”