James McClean subjected to death threats on Twitter

8 May 2012

James McClean, the Sunderland winger selected to join the Republic of Ireland panel for Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine, has been the subject of death threats via Twitter.

The 23 year-old celebrated his selection on Twitter yesterday, tweeting: “Absolutely honoured and couldn’t be happier to have been called up to represent my country at the euros no better feelin! #COYBIG #ireland #euro12”

However, not long after he tweeted the Derry native was subjected to sectarian taunts and death threats.

As a youth McClean had played for Northern Ireland.

It is believed his decision to decline an invitation to join the Northern Ireland squad last year prompted the exchange.

At least two Twitter accounts associated with the death threats have been removed.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com