The hate mail letter sent to James McClean
The Irish News today reports that the letter, sent on the 48th anniversary of the 1972 killings, compared Bloody Sunday to a football match with the result “Army 13 v IRA 0”.
The writer also made reference to loyalist killer Michael Stone, describing him as a hero.
Published on the Creggan-born footballer’s Instagram social media account, the letter writer added: “Bloody good laugh, happy anniversary, Enjoy the day, fenian McClean.”
The letter echoed offensive graffiti in some loyalist areas in the days after Bloody Sunday about the 13 young men shot dead in January 1972.
In his report following an extensive inquiry, Lord Saville concluded that all those killed and injured were shot without reason and were innocent of any wrongdoing.
Mr McClean responded on Instagram with the comment: “No name, false address, he’s so brave. Rent free in these morons’ heads.”
The Stoke City player has frequently been targeted with abuse over his refusal to wear a poppy on Armistice Day.
James McClean subjected to racial abuse at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day
James has been the subject of ongoing abuse at grounds in the Championship where he plays his football with Stoke City.
The anti-racist campaign ‘Kick It Out’ has called on football chiefs to do more to stamp out the racist chanting directed at James on an almost weekly basis.
