Joey Barton has raised the question as to why Roy Keane opted to wear a poppy on live television.
The former Republic of Ireland captain was seen sporting a small badge on his lapel while covering Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Liverpool for Sky Sports on Sunday. The poppy is a common sight around this time of year, with many choosing to pay their respects ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.
However, Barton was seemingly confounded to see the Manchester United icon and former Republic of Ireland international joining the tradition given others don't follow suit. Former Stoke and Sunderland star James McClean - who was born in Derry but represented the Republic of Ireland 103 times - is arguably the most famous example of an Irish athlete shunning the symbol.
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"Why has Roy Keane got a Poppy on?" asked Barton on X after tuning into Sky's coverage of Sunday's Premier League clash. And social media users were only too happy to explain to the former Manchester City enforcer precisely why his ex-rival might be inclined to wear the emblem.
One answer read: "It wasn't only the English that died protecting Britain. Come on Joey! That was a stupid question. Maybe because he’s showing remembrance for Irishman who fought and died for the free world, because he lives here and has done for some time and because it’s a respectful gesture."
Another X user replied: "My father is a proud Irishman and my mother is a Cockney. They both wear poppies in November and shamrock in March. It’s called respect."
And a third user wrote: "Remembrance Sunday is coming up, Joey. He'll have his reasons just like James McClean has his reasons not to wear it. I respect both their choices."
The poppy can be a contentious topic among Irish Republicans and nationalists due to the British occupation of Ireland and more recently The Troubles.
Keane hasn't commented publicly on his decision to wear the poppy, while Barton hasn't spoken any more on the matter since posting his original tweet.
