James McClean is taking legal action against UUP councillor Chris McGimpsey over comments which he made regarding the Ireland international on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show.
The case will begin at Belfast High Court today.
In statement issued on behalf of McClean by Finucane Toner Solicitors, it was said:
"On November 7th 2018, during the course of a debate on the BBC Radio Ulster Nolan Show, UUP Belfast City councillor Chris McGimpsey made a false and highly defamatory statement about our client.
"Our client is a well-known professional footballer who plays at the highest levels of the game in England, and has represented his country with distinction on over sixty occasions.
"We are disappointed that, to date, no apology has been forthcoming from Mr McGimpsey, and ultimately Mr McClean has had to seek the recourse of the Courts in order to protect and vindicate his reputation. He will do so on each and every occasion that unfounded, inflammatory and dangerous allegations are made against him, and he retains every confidence that these proceedings, which commence on March 13th in the High Court, will uphold his good name."
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
