Republic of Ireland player James McClean has asked why his international colleagues have not shown him public support over discrimination he has received.
The Derry native took to Facebook yesterday to query why he hasn't got the same level of backing that has been given towards the Black Lives Matter campaign.
In the social media post, McClean strongly condemned racial abuse directed towards his Irish team-mate David McGoldrick and Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha in recent days.
He went on to question why he hasn't had people in his corner over the sectarian abuse he has received.
McClean has become a lightning rod for stick over his stance of not wearing a poppy around Remembrance Day commemorations.
The Stoke City player has been supported by equality group 'Kick It Out' and the English FA, who charged Barnsley after their fans made chants at McClean.
31-year-old McClean would like his fellow professionals to now come out and make a stand.
"Driving back from training today while listening to TalkSport discussing the vile racists comments this weekend made towards Zaha and McGoldrick on social media, listening to their reaction of disgust at it and rightly so for that matter because it is horrendous and nobody should be subjected to that and people need to be held responsible for their words and actions.
"What leaves a sour taste in my mouth and not only this but with everything else of late, I receive and have received more abuse than any other player during my 9 years in England, whether that be death threats, bullets sent in the post, birthday cards, letters etc! This is not a cry for sympathy, but one to ask the question - what is the difference?
"Have I ever had my abuse condemned by the media? No! In fact, quite the opposite, the slightest thing that I do that might cause offence to anyone is highlighted by them.
"I have seen some of my fellow Irish teammates post a black square in support of anti-racism as well as posts condemning the discrimination and AGAIN rightly so! Have I ever seen any of them ever post a public condemnation of the discrimination I get, which funnily enough is a discrimination against them also? That would be a no!
"Does one kind of Discrimination hold a higher bearing over another act of discrimination?
"I would say I am confused, but that's the wrong word, because confused means not fully understanding something. In this case it's quite clear!"
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
