MP Sammy Wilson suggests John Herron may be better suited to GAA if he wants to continue to glorify terrorism

By Graeme Cousins
Published 23rd Aug 2022, 12:07 BST
Updated 23rd Aug 2022, 16:59 BST
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Following the departure of John Herron from Larne FC, MP Sammy Wilson has suggested the player may be more suited to GAA – an organisation which he says “seems to make their sport a platform for terrorist glorification”.

Herron left the club “by mutual consent” after he was pictured wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan ‘up the Ra’ at a Wolfe Tones gig at the Feile festival in west Belfast.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: “I am glad the club took the right decision. Kenny Bruce has turned the club around, removed politics from its agenda and sought to use the club to promote civic pride, encourage family support and provide a means for young people to get engaged in football.

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“John Herron’s actions were inexcusable. His presence on the pitch would have led to an angry reaction on the terraces creating an atmosphere which would have not been inductive to family participation.”

Larne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA T-shirt on social media with former team mate Ronan Hale at the west Belfast Feile festivalLarne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA T-shirt on social media with former team mate Ronan Hale at the west Belfast Feile festival
Larne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA T-shirt on social media with former team mate Ronan Hale at the west Belfast Feile festival

He added: “A lesson needs to be taught to those who glorify terrorism that they will not be tolerated, so yes I am pleased at this outcome.

“Maybe he is more suited to GAA which seems to make their sport a platform for terrorist glorification.”

Unionist activist Jamie Bryson commented: “It is welcome that John Herron has left Larne, and I suspect Irish League football.

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“His glorification of the murder of thousands of innocent people by a terrorist organisation has done much to undermine the integrity of not only Larne FC, but the Irish league more generally.”

Maurice Brown commented on social media: “The fact Herron showed no remorse or even acknowledged how his actions offended tells us all we need to know about him as a person. We are all better off without him.”

Phil Dowie believed the player deserves another chance.

He posted: “Unpopular opinion, but I do believe John Herron deserves a second chance. He’s not the only young fella to be taken in by revisionism. Suspension and education will be punishment enough. Maybe meet victims such as the Bloody Friday families.”

Robert McCormick Beresford commented: “Well done Larne, good example, we are led to believe that bigotry is only a one way street, but clearly it’s not.”

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Gary Gordon said: “Can’t see the club had any other option as they have done massive cross community work in the borough and were let down by the player who should’ve known better.”

Ulster GAA were contacted for comment on the statement by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.