in

“He’s not the sharpest tool in the box”: Tony Pulis defends McClean with epic backhand after brawl

With Sunderland fans giving him hell to the lyrics of “No Surrender to the IRA”, referencing the Northern Irishman’s refusal to wear a poppy in D-day in 2012, James McClean, a former Black Cat’s player, was involved in an ill advised mini melee during his sides 1-0 win over Sunderland.

With the final whistle blown, McClean can be seen running over to the away section in full fist pump mode. Behaviour that rather riles some of the Sunderland players.

In his post match interview, Pulis was asked about the conduct of his player in light of the incident.

To which he replied hilariously with;

“He’s not the sharpest tool in the box, and that’s not being disrespectful to him,”

“He’s a smashing lad, a really really nice lad. The lads here have really taken to him.”

Fair enough then.

Here’s the incident.