Wrexham AFC's captain James McClean football club chose to distance himself from his teammates during the Remembrance weekend commemorations.
It's a tradition for players across England to wear poppies and unite before games on Armistice weekend, but McClean has consistently declined since he began playing in England.
The Red Dragons captain, of the ambitious football club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, deliberately stood apart as both sides observed a minute's silence. McClean, originally from Northern Ireland, has previously refused to participate in any remembrance event due to Britain's role in the Troubles.
Raised on the infamous Creggan Estate in Belfast, where six Bloody Sunday victims came from, the midfielder has stated he would wear a poppy if it solely commemorated those who perished in the world wars, including Irish people. However, The Royal British Legion's position on honouring British personnel lost in all conflicts has led to McClean's yearly refusal.
His actions have divided opinion online, with both praise and criticism being voiced. One user remarked: "No shame whatsoever. Pathetic behaviour."
In contrast, another sarcastically commented: "Man with political beliefs peacefully and respectfully adheres to his political beliefs," reports the Express.
One user weighed in with their thoughts on the matter: "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 been subject to controversy during his time in England, often receiving death threats over his personal stance. He sparked further debate amidst the lockdown period as children were home-schooled; McClean was seen in a photo wearing a balaclava while presenting a history lesson to his kids.
The caption read, "Today's School lesson - History."
His club called the post "inappropriate" and McClean responded saying: "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."
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