[valpayne]

I'm old enough to remember the troubles.  Unfortunately I believe politicians and religious views perpetuate mistrust and ill will. I went to see an Irish friends play in Kilburn many years ago that dealt with this sensitive issue and I learned things from that experience. I saw both sides of the story and realised how much suffering it has caused over the years. I remember the bombings, it was frightening to a kid at the time. a bit later in life I worked with a friend who admitted to me one day that his beliefs were similar to that of James McClean. I remember being shocked at the time but it didn't change who he was or our friendship. 

I personally have no religious beliefs. I believe religion was the tool to suppress common people for 100's of years by the hierarchy and as religion has become less and less prominent in modern times politics has taken up the mantle of providing fear and hatred of other human beings and their beliefs. I'm so sick of it in fact I simply don't watch the news and i don't read newspapers because to me it's all propaganda and I'm too old and jaded to put up with it anymore, so I block it out and shove my head in the sand. Thats me.

 James McClean has his views and beliefs and the guts to stand up for them whilst delivering a well written, intelligent letter that clearly explains his views and why he felt compelled not to wear the poppy. He's a footballer not a politician but he has obviously felt and seen the suffering that war causes. I support anyone that stands up for their beliefs as long as they do the same for me. Personally I always buy a poppy because I believe and I really hope it does genuinally provide financial assistance for the men and women who fought and suffered in the world wars and I believe in that cause 'nuff said.

I'm sure Chris Brunt and Gareth McCauley have a view point on this and it may also turn out to be controversial. Lets enjoy our football and leave the evil stuff to the men in suits