Gary Rowett Admits Stoke City Supporters May Never Forgive Controversial Star James McClean

Gary Rowett has admitted that Stoke City supporters may never forgive controversial figure James McClean for not wearing a Remembrance Day poppy. 

The Republic of Ireland international, who was born north of the border in Derry, has never worn a poppy on his shirt because in 1972 British Soldiers shot dead 13 civilians during a civil rights march in his home town during 'Bloody Sunday'. 

But his actions have led to wide level criticism, including recently when he clashed with his own supporters after his side's goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough at the start of this month. 

After the encounter, McClean criticised a section of Stoke fans for abusing and booing him before later apologising for his comments.  

James McClean on Instagram  pic.twitter.com/vpUstj14qs

— Zak (@ZakLoughran) November 5, 2018

Stoke boss Rowett confessed that McClean's relationship with his own supporters may never be repaired, but he praised the Irishman for 'standing up for his beliefs'. 

"I hope so, but I can’t really make that comment. I don’t know, I hope they do," said Rowett, as quoted by Stoke on Trent Live. "I can understand why people wouldn’t like some of the things he’s said, but I also hope that everybody believes everyone has a right to follow their own pathway.

"He showed courage in difficult circumstances and our fans got behind the team brilliantly, as they always do away from home. The one thing you cannot criticise him for is standing up for his beliefs, which takes a little bit of bravery, and I thought he performed with bravery."

McClean will now be gearing up for international duty with the Republic of Ireland where his side will take on the country of his birth, Northern Ireland on Thursday in a friendly match. 

Source: 90min

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