Paddy Barnes backs under fire James McClean while WBA fans create a new chant

By Kevin Murphy and Grainne McGuinness

Olympic boxing hero Paddy Barnes has strongly backed Irish football international James McClean - who is in hot water again after refusing to acknowledge the English national anthem over the weekend.

The controversial incident happened when the West Brom player turned away during an anthem ceremony before a pre-season friendly in the US on Saturday.

McClean has courted controversy in the past with his refusal to wear a

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James McClean?....
What's his excuse this time?

— Sir Walsingham (@Sir__Walsingham) July 20, 2015

Barnes has backed the player’s decision, and criticised the online abuse he has received since the incident.

Speaking to the Irish Daily Star, Barnes said: “I will back James or anybody who stands up for what they believe in.

“He’s being tortured online for this and other things he stands up for.

“Whether people agree with what he did or not, they need to just accept it and get on with their lives.”

West Brom manager Tony Pulis is believed to have spoken to the player after the game and warned him about his future conduct.

Some of the club’s fans have dealt with the situation more creatively - by coining a chant for the player set to the tune of the English anthem.

James McClean chant anyone? #WBA pic.twitter.com/KwG6myqraK

— Mike Reed (@MikeReed30) July 20, 2015