The football world is watching closely as Patrick McClean, the 28-year-old defender for Glentoran FC, finds himself under investigation by his club following footage that surfaced online.
The video reportedly shows McClean at a dissident republican parade in Derry, Northern Ireland, on Easter Monday.
The event, linked to the New IRA, saw participants marching from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.
Disturbing Footage Sparks Investigation
The footage, which has since circulated widely on social media, appears to show McClean walking past a masked color party, one of the groups involved in the parade.
Reportedly, up to 200 people attended the event, many of whom were dressed in paramilitary-style clothing, in direct violation of the Parades Commission’s rules.
As tensions rose, several petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at police stationed around the Derry Walls, resulting in some areas being closed to the public for safety reasons.
Glentoran Responds to the Incident
In response to the controversy, Glentoran FC released a statement confirming that they are reviewing the matter internally.
The club emphasized its commitment to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the football community, and assured fans that the investigation would proceed according to their policies.
“The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time,” they stated.
A History of Controversy Surrounding the Parade
The annual Easter Monday parade in Derry is a deeply political event, marking the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Ireland.
In recent years, dissident republican groups, including the New IRA, have used this commemoration to express their views, often resulting in violence.
While the National Republican Commemoration Committee applied for and received permission from the Parades Commission to hold the event this year, they were explicitly banned from displaying paramilitary symbols or flags.
Violent Scenes Erupt During the Parade
Despite the Parades Commission’s ruling, the event quickly devolved into chaos.
As masked individuals led the procession, disorder broke out, with young people throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police forces.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, the area commander for Derry City and Strabane, condemned the actions, describing the use of young people to distract from the masked individuals as “child criminal exploitation.”
She expressed her disgust, calling it “utterly shameful” and accusing the organizers of failing to keep the event dignified as they had claimed.
A Tense Atmosphere Surrounding the Incident
The incident has raised serious concerns about the involvement of young people in such volatile situations.
Authorities have described how children were deliberately used to shield masked individuals, who later sought refuge in a gazebo to change out of their paramilitary-style clothing.
The event’s violent end has prompted renewed calls for tighter regulations on such parades, especially given the increasing involvement of younger individuals in such disturbances.
As the investigation into Patrick McClean continues, it’s clear that this controversial event has sparked significant debate not only about the footballer’s actions but also about the broader implications for community safety and the ongoing challenges in Northern Ireland.