Amid their rising popularity, Wrexham AFC stir controversy after some of their players take a strong stance against British monarchy, igniting debate across the fanbase and beyond.
- May 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a tale of celebration that took an unexpected turn, Wrexham AFC players, Paul Mullin and James McClean, have found themselves at the center of a contentious debate following remarks made about King Charles III. The duo's recent comments come amidst their participation in post-promotion festivities, casting a shadow over the club's achievements.
During a celebratory trip to Las Vegas with team owner Rob McElhenney and fellow teammates, Mullin and McClean made headlines with their Instagram posts disparaging the monarch, who has recently been battling cancer.
Mullin's post, which was promptly echoed by McClean, has since been deleted but not before drawing significant attention and criticism for its timing and content. This incident marks another chapter in the players' history of controversial actions and statements related to political matters.
"We hate the f***ing king," Mullin wrote and McClean echoed, "We serve no king or kaiser but Ireland! Sue me [shoulder shrug]."
Mullin, at 29, has previously sparked debate with his explicit anti-monarchy sentiments, evident in his public chants and personalized football boots. McClean, 35, maintains a noted aversion to the monarchy and British nationalism, demonstrated by his refusal to wear the poppy and his stance during the English national anthem, reflecting his strong Republican beliefs.
The Instagram comments seem to echo an earlier incident where McClean was captured singing an anti-monarchy chant with supporters, a moment he has since openly acknowledged and refused to apologize for. These actions and statements come amid a period of increased visibility and success for the club, highlighted by visits from Prince William and, previously, King Charles III himself.
The juxtaposition of Wrexham's celebratory rise in English football with these controversial remarks raises questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and public figure accountability. While the club co-owned by Ryan Reynolds has refrained from commenting, the debate surrounding Mullin and McClean's actions continues to unfold, inviting scrutiny from fans, the public, and media alike.
In light of these events, the story of Wrexham AFC's promotion is now twofold: a narrative of underdog success on the pitch and a developing discourse on the responsibilities of athletes as public figures in the digital age.
