James McClean reveals death threats in searingly honest BBC interview

James McClean may not be everyone's cup of tea but no-one can doubt that he gives it his absolute all for club and country.

McClean's combative nature, political stance, position on not wearing poppies on his jersey and the fact that he is never short of an opinion have all led to him copping a lot of abuse in away grounds.

Ahead of West Brom's game with Leicester City on Saturday, the Republic of Ireland and Baggies winger sat down with the BBC for a frank, honest interview on his life on and off the pitch.

During the interview, McClean dismissed the notion that he is a dirty player and claimed he is merely driven to give his all to get the three points for his team.

When asked about the flak he takes for expressing political opinions, McClean revealed that he had received death threats in the past.

Following the Football Focus interview, there was a resounding wave of support for McClean:

Interesting interview of James McClean...nobody should have to get death threats nobody. It's only a game of football at the end of the day — Dillon Smith (@DillonSmith69) April 29, 2017


Great interview with James McClean. A proud son of Derry & a gentleman. His integrity & honesty shone through. #FootballFocus — Big Eye (@frylowerwhack) April 29, 2017

Up the James McClean !!! 👊🏼 — Paddy 🔌 (@Ben_Paddy) April 29, 2017

He changed the minds of several people:

Wow, fantastic interview with James McClean. I'm annoyed he's actually extremely likeable #FootballFocus — N/Ame (@Ozey05) April 29, 2017

I know opinions on James McClean will divide many, but really impressed with his interview on Football Focus today. — Bhavik Ghelani (@bhavikghelani) April 29, 2017

@BBCMOTD @BBCSport that James McClean interview was the best one all season - love or hate him, a great interview! — Dan Tutty (@KingTut_10) April 29, 2017

But there will always be those that simply want to hate him:

Everyone has their own beliefs but James McClean needs to take his back to Ireland. — Charlotte Elizabeth. (@VivaLaCharlotte) April 29, 2017

You can't please everyone.