Wrexham FC footballer James McClean stood away from his teammates as they came together to pay respects on remembrance weekend.
It is a tradition for players across England to wear poppies and come together before games kick off on Armistice weekend, but McClean has consistently refused to do so since moving to play in England.
Today, the captain of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ambitious football club stood deliberately separately from his teammates as both sides observed a minute’s silence.
Previously, McClean, from Northern Ireland, has refused to take part in any remembrance event due to Britain’s involvement in the Troubles.
He grew up on the Creggan Estate, a notorious housing complex in Belfast where six of the people killed on Bloody Sunday hailed from.
The midfielder has previously said that he would wear a poppy if it was to remember solely those who lost their lives in the world wars, as that includes Irish people.
However, The Royal British Legion’s stance on remembering British personnel lost in all conflicts has meant that McClean has refused to do so yearly.
His actions have split opinion online, with praise and condemnation being given.
One X user said: “No shame whatsoever. Pathetic behaviour.”
Meanwhile, another sarcastically commented: “Man with political beliefs peacefully and respectfully adheres to his political beliefs.”
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Another user commented: “The truth is this: I'm proud I live in a country where Wrexham AFC captain, James McClean, can spend a career silently protesting commemorations for our war dead. Do I like it? No. But he can do it if he wants.”
McClean has cut a controversial figure throughout his time in England, often receiving death threats for his stance.
During lockdown, when many children were being taught at home, McClean was pictured wearing a balaclava with his children sat on the floor in front of him. The caption said, “Today's School lesson—History.”
His club labelled the post as “inappropriate” whilst McClean said: “I never wanted to cause any offence but I now realise that I did so and for that I apologise unreservedly. I have spoken to the club and will be deleting my Instagram account.”
