Wrexham's James McClean defends Remembrance stance

Wrexham’s James McClean defends Remembrance stance and says the poppy is ‘forced upon me’
James McClean said he takes offence at the poppy being “forced upon me” after standing by his ongoing refusal to take part in pre-match Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
James McClean's stance on the poppy is brave and he shouldn't have to explain himself every year
To get a read on James McClean, it's best to start by reading him. Literally. The former Ireland winger is a fan of body ink and has put a lot of thought into his tattoos. On McClean's left thigh is a quote: "A father is always making his baby into a little woman.
James McClean rips into critics and claims the poppy is ‘forced’ on everyone in the UK
James McClean has once again explained his stance over the poppy and commemorative events in the UK around Remembrance Sunday. Clubs across England have been marking the day – which took place last Sunday – with a minute’s silence before matches along with players donning a poppy on their kits.
Opinion
James McClean’s poppy protest is about freedom – and that we should celebrate
But McClean probably won’t be known for his durability, or his trickery on the wing. He is that rare animal – a footballer who has long-held, deep-rooted political beliefs, who is prepared to stand up for them, and indeed speak up for them, no matter how much trouble it causes him.
James McClean says he won’t ‘bend the knee’ over poppy stance after online abuse
Former Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean has said that he won’t “compromise my convictions” in his continued stance on wearing the Remembrance Day poppy.
Footballer James McClean vows not to ‘bend the knee’ over poppy stance
Former Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean has vowed not to “bend the knee” in his continued stance over not wearing a Remembrance Day poppy. The Derry man and Wrexham FC player once again refused to wear the emblem last weekend while standing apart from his teammates during a minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday.
Wrexham’s James McClean refuses to wear poppy for Remembrance Sunday
Wrexham captain James McClean continued his ongoing protest to Remembrance Sunday by refusing to wear a poppy and standing away from his teammates during the League One club’s fixture against Mansfield on Saturday.
Wrexham fans respect James McClean's poppy stance - so why can't others?
It should be pointed out that McClean hasn’t always helped himself. In 2020, he was fined two weeks’ wages by former club Stoke City after he posted a picture of himself on Instagram wearing a balaclava alongside two children, whom he claimed to be giving a "history lesson."
Wrexham captain James McClean refuses to observe Remembrance Day
Wrexham captain James McClean stood separately to his team-mates and refused to wear a poppy as the club observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday ahead of their fixture against Mansfield.
Why James McClean Refuses to Wear a Poppy
Wrexham fans broke out into song when they saw James McClean's actions. The Irishman has previously explained why he does not wear a poppy.
'No compromise' - Wrexham's McClean explains poppy stance
In the face of criticism, Wrexham captain James McClean says he will not compromise his convictions after explaining why he opts not to wear a poppy for Remembrance Day.
The Mirror4d
James McClean breaks silence after refusing to 'bend the knee' and wear poppy
James McClean says he will never “bend the knee” and go back on his decision not to wear a poppy around Remembrance ...
Irish Daily Mirror on MSN4d
James McClean hits back at poppy criticism as he defends position
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