Football club confirm probe over footage of James McClean's brother at New IRA parade
Glentoran FC have confirmed they are investigating footage which shows one of their players in attendance at a dissident Easter rally.
Defender Patrick 'Paddy' McClean was spotted at the New IRA parade in Derry on Monday.
A video clip has been widely circulated online showing the former Derry City footballer - who is also the brother of Wrexham FC star James McClean - walking on the street as the masked colour party marches in the same direction through the city.
A spokesperson for Glentoran said that the east Belfast club 'is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online'.
Patrick McClean in action for Glentoran
'The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community,' they continued.
'The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time.'
During the parade, police made two arrests and seized items including a van, after officers were attacked with petrol bombs in Derry.
There is no suggestion Paddy McClean was involved in any of the disorder, or was spoken to by police.
However, a senior officers condemned the actions of others who caused trouble.
Glentoran player Paddy McClean spotted at New IRA parade in Derry
PSNI Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers' claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, 'what we saw was the complete opposite'.
"From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination,' she added.
"As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm.
"Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.
"This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this,' the senior police officer continued.
"Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing.
"This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful."
It is understood that around 150 people had gathered for the parade on Monday afternoon.
Organisers said two bands, 500 participants and 100 supporters were expected.
It has previously been billed as the 'Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration', and left the Creggan shops at 2pm, ending at a New IRA monument in the Bogside.
Patrick McClean worked on a building site in Dublin after quitting football back in February 2023, but later rejoined the sport that year, getting picked up again by the Glens.
Both Patrick and James McClean grew up in the predominantly nationalist Creggan area of Derry, with the latter often making controversy in the news for his refusal to wear a poppy whilst playing matches during Remembrance Day weekend each year.
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