SUNDERLAND star James McClean has become embroiled in a fresh Twitter row after an MP accused him of promoting a song supporting the IRA.
The Republic of Ireland winger took to the social networking site to say he’d be listening to The Wolfe Tones on his way to the Black Cats’ clash with West Brom at the weekend and that his favourite song was Broad Black Brimmer, which talks about holsters lying empty “but not for long” and taking up arms for Irish freedom.
Someone from the band tweeted McClean asking him if he would appear on stage with them in April, to which he replied: “would actually be amazing thanks”.
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell hit at what he said was the player’s “latest gaffe”.
He said: “He has previously engaged in totally inappropriate Twitter exchanges with Northern Ireland fans, then he was the only player out of 22 on the pitch last November who declined to wear a poppy on his football top for Remembrance Day.
“As someone playing football at a professional level for Sunderland, McClean should be an example to young people. This song’s lyrics are openly pro IRA, which is steeped in a desire to use the gun and terrorism. Young people should be taught the folly of terrorism. IRA terrorism in Northern Ireland and across the British Isles has claimed thousands of lives.”
The MP said promotion of songs like Broad Black Brimmer was “utterly inappropriate” adding: “Three simple words should suffice: stick to football. If he doesn’t heed this, then a final three words should be given: pack your bags.”
McClean reacted on his Twitter account, saying: “Accordin to gregory campbell i shouldnt be allowed to listen to wolftones ha.. someone give greg a tissue and a big hug from me”.
The band also hit back, insisting their songs reflected historical events and said the MP was welcome to attend a concert to “for a lesson in history”.