Last weekend, a number of Irish players in both the WSL and WSL2 took the decision not to wear a poppy embroidered shirt in relation to Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom.
None of those players have taken to social media nor issued statements explaining why and nor should they feel the need to. This article is not purporting to speak for any of them.
However, it would not take much research to understand why an Irish citizen might not want to wear a poppy, a symbol as defined by the Royal British Legion as ‘a show of support for the armed forces community’. Ireland was the first nation colonised by Britain, and a lengthy history of oppression followed.
This is not an article about the history of Irish oppression but it is pertinent to at least touch on the topic as it provides valuable context. A context that essentially forms the entirety of the Irish history curriculum in schools while it provides barely a footnote in the UK’s. Having said that, to justify the action would be to admit that the decision requires justification, which it does not. After the games on Sunday, players who elected not to wear the symbol were the subject of abuse online. The fact that players are being abused for not wearing a poppy on their shirt, a decision which negatively effects no-one is something that requires immediate attention from the powers that be.
Freedom of speech is one of the fundamental rights for every citizen in the UK, enshrined under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Last weekend, under posts that noted Katie McCabe’s decision not to wear the poppy, were a number of disturbing and abusive comments from X users. If the past is anything to go by and proper action is not taken, this could be just the beginning.
History repeating itself
Irish men’s footballer James McClean has received torrential abuse from the public about his stance, not wearing a poppy since signing for Sunderland in the early 2010s. That is, despite his clear explanation as to why he elects not to wear a poppy, relating to the Bloody Sunday Massacre in his home county of Derry. He still regularly receives death threats against him and his family over the decision. McClean has been consistently let down by the powers that be who have failed to take action to decisively halt the abuse. Sunderland put out a statement the first time James McClean refused to wear a poppy clarifying the decision, which was a grave error. It magnified the importance of a decision that was not newsworthy and left McClean, just 23 at the time receiving death threats.
McClean has looked for support from various agencies who have failed to take action in any meaningful sense. That cannot be allowed to happen again. The Daily Mail has already pounced on the story: “Irish Arsenal star DITCHES the poppy from her kit and joins James McClean in protest – despite wearing it with her team-mates in previous seasons”
This irresponsible journalism is insincere. Aware of the level of abuse that James McClean has suffered, abuse that is specifically mentioned in the article but still running the story in such an inflammatory fashion is disappointing if not surprising. It will come as no surprise to anyone that the article is author, Michael Pavitt’s first article relating to women’s football this season. The feeling that this is a contrived controversy is difficult to shake, WSL teams did not even wear the poppy on their kits until the 2017/18 season.
What can be done?
Regrettably there is a baseline of abuse that female players have to deal with whomever they may be, whatever their beliefs. Ingrained misogyny, sexism and homophobia are pervasive and face every women’s football player in the world. As Catherine Forshaw reported for Brabners earlier this year: “[During the 2023 Women’s World Cup] FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) identified over 7,000 discriminatory, abusive or threatening posts, with more than half of them being homophobic, sexist or sexualised in nature.”
We have seen players deal with abuse on these shores with regularity. Lauren James, Jess Carter and Khadija Shaw to name but a few have been subject to abhorrent racist abuse. We cannot rely on sites like X and Instagram to take action, as they have consistently failed to do so, those sites need to be monitored by external sources so abuse can be cracked down on.
The WSL, the FAI, the PFA, the FA and player’s club sides need to be crystal clear that this abuse is unacceptable and ensure adequate protection for players. A comprehensive support system is needed to ensure player welfare and clubs should be sharing abusive content with the authorities, online or otherwise.
The WSL has been working closely with the police and local officers especially since incidents involving Khadija Shaw and Millie Bright last year. Known as ‘football spotters’ officers have been attending matches in plain clothes with the goal of providing support and safety for players and fans. Arsenal also banned a fan for their abuse of then Liverpool player Taylor Hinds which was a welcome, transparent and decisive action.
The Football Governance Act will be important to hold clubs accountable for not dealing with abuse sufficiently, and was introduced as an act of parliament as recently as July. Football clubs need to be prepared to take legal action against individuals perpetrating abuse against players. Documenting and reporting incidents of harassment and abuse is important for everyone.
Irish players Caitlin Hayes, Abbie Larkin and Hayley Nolan also did not adorn the Poppy this weekend alongside McCabe. Their leadership is one of silent dignity, respectful while not compromising themselves, ensuring they are comfortable in their working environment. Their decision is a personal one and it is not harming anyone nor is it disrupting any Remembrance Day events. These athletes deserve to be left in peace and to be protected from unwarranted abuse, with clear and definitive action.
