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 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.
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 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.
James McClean speaks out for the first time after refusing to stand with Wrexham teammates during Remembrance silence
James McClean spoke out for the first time since refusing to stand with his Wrexham teammates during the Remembrance silence.
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.
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.
Wrexham’s James McClean refuses to stand with teammates for Remembrance silence
The 35-year-old, who was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, has refused to take part in Remembrance commemorations since moving to England.
'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 Mirror3d
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 MSN3d
James McClean hits back at poppy criticism as he defends position
Wrexham captain McClean attracted attention for standing at a distance from his teammates as they observed a minute's ...
Irish Independent on MSN1d
‘It looked like we expected to just turn up’ – James McClean blasts ‘unacceptable’ attitude of Derry City players in FAI Cup final defeat
James McClean has criticised the approach of the players at his former club Derry City in Sunday’s FAI Cup final which ended ...
‘One thing I never will do is bend the knee’: James McClean speaks out after refusing to wear poppy
James McClean has said he will never “bend the knee” in response to the latest furore over his decision not to wear a poppy ...
Derry Journal on MSN2d
James McClean points to Bloody Sunday and other ‘brutal crimes’ in Ireland after another poppy storm
James McClean has again outlined why he won’t wear a poppy after once more being targeted by anti-Irish bigots online over ...