James McClean reveals vile abuse sent to him in birthday card

Republic of Ireland international has been a regular target of abuse during his career

James McClean received a birthday card filled with sectarian abuse. Photograph:    Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
James McClean received a birthday card filled with sectarian abuse. Photograph: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Republic of Ireland international James McClean has revealed the sickening abuse he has received in a birthday card.

The Stoke player, who turned 30 on April 22nd, received a card containing a stream of vitriolic and abusive comments about his nationality. It also includes vile references to Hitler, Operation Flavius – in which three unarmed members of the IRA were shot dead in Gibraltar by the SAS – and Bloody Sunday.

McClean is a regular target of abuse for his well-documented political reasons as to why he will not wear the poppy.

The Derry native has previously taken to social media to call for the Football Association to do more in attempting to prevent such behaviour.

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He took to Twitter on Wednesday to reveal the latest abuse he has received, posting images of the vile words written on the card’s front, back and inside.

With the caption ‘No words needed’, phrases such as “Fenian sub human b*****d” and “Happy Birthday and die on April 22” can clearly be read.

Inside, the hatred escalates, with IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands referred to as the 1981 "Slimmer of the Year".