Is the 19th minute thing still a club sponsored initiative, or does it just happen spontaneously amongst the crowd? Might be an idea for them to come up with a statement that gently backs away from it, although I suspect it is too late to get the "No Respect" song back in its Pandora's Box.
Regarding the original intent of this thread. I think it is long past time to stop the 19 minutes applause. The no respect song makes me cringe and is not worthy of Aston Villa.
I don't (nor do I believe anybody should) consider the poppy to be a political symbol of any particular nation or organisation but rather one that people use to show respect to others who have lost their lives in what is basically a tragedy.If you don't wish to wear one, that's fine, it isn't mandatory. I buy them but rarely wear one. But if you're trying to make some sort of statement by not wearing one then, sorry, but I think you're a bit of an ignorant twat. Like McClean.Whatever term you choose to apply to it. Our way of life has been paid for with the blood of millions, some just kids, and from all over the world in all walks of life: British, Irish, Canadian, American, Indian, Australian, Kiwis, Carribean, French, German, Polish, Israeli... it doesn't matter.It's not the insignia of the Parachute regiment, its a flower. Even if there are some you consider it represents that you would rather not respect, if you cannot think of anybody who does deserve to be remembered and honoured then I just can't accept that.Just my opinion. And sorry, but it's a bit of a sore point for me too.
I give money but choose not to wear a poppy. In recent years it seems that every person appearing on tv seems obliged to wear a poppy so it probably shocks some when they see a person on the box not wearing one. It really shouldn't be an issue that McLean has decided not to wear a poppy, it is his personal choice. Given where he comes from ( friends from Derry have told me what the Creggan used to be like) I can understand why he may not be too keen to wear one.
Did McLean observe the minutes silence at Goodison on Saturday?