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Northern Irish football club Glentoran has launched an investigation into footage purportedly showing one of its players participating in a dissident republican rally in Derry. The club is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment. The inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny of the parade’s links to the New IRA. The incident raises concerns about adherence to club policies and community values. This article delves into the unfolding situation and its implications for the football club and its player involved.
Glentoran Probes Player’s Alleged Attendance at Rally
The images reportedly depict their defender, Patrick McClean, among a crowd at an Easter Monday procession allegedly linked to the New IRA.
In a concise statement, Glentoran acknowledged awareness of the footage circulating online, stating: “The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters, and the wider community. The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies, and no further comment will be made at this time.”
As of now, McClean, 28, brother of Wrexham winger and Ireland international James McClean, has not issued a response.
Details of the Derry Parade
During the march from the Creggan area to Free Derry corner in the Bogside, a color party in paramilitary-style attire, with faces obscured, joined dozens of participants. Following the parade, a group of youths engaged in unrest, attacking police with petrol bombs and fireworks. Law enforcement officers arrested two men, aged 30 and 55, in response to the disturbances.
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Police Condemnation of the Disorder
Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Ch Supt Gillian Kearney asserted that the disruption was deliberately orchestrated. “Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover,” she stated. “This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.”
It is important to note that there is no insinuation that McClean engaged in any disorder or was engaged by police.
Context of the Annual Parade
The annual parade, a commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising, has been a flashpoint for clashes in previous years. The National Republican Commemoration Committee organized the event, purportedly arranging events on behalf of Saoradh, a fringe republican party linked to the New IRA, although this connection is disputed.
Patrick McClean’s Background
Hailing from Derry, McClean has previously played for the city’s club, as well as Waterford and Sligo Rovers. He joined Glentoran in 2019. After a brief retirement from football in early 2023, during which he reportedly worked on construction sites, he rejoined the East Belfast club later that year.
Previous Incident Involving James McClean
In 2020, James McClean, Patrick’s brother, faced disciplinary action from his then club, Stoke City. He was fined two weeks’ wages for a social media post featuring him wearing a balaclava while giving his children what he termed a “history lesson.”