James McClean stands apart from teammates during Remembrance silence

As the players lined the edges of the centre circle, McClean could be seen standing away from his fellow players, most of whom wore black armbands bar him.

By: irishmirror.ie

Nov 09 2024
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James McClean stands apart fro

James McClean stood apart from teammates and did not wear a black armband during Wrexham's win over Mansfield Town in today's League One clash.

As the players lined the edges of the centre circle, McClean could be seen standing away from his fellow players, most of whom wore black armbands bar him.

McClean has previously spoken out about his reasoning for not wearing the symbol.

Derry-born and raised McClean was born on Creggan estate, where some of the 14 people killed in the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre were from.

The spectacle of the debate is considerable, with McClean leading out his side on the weekend where players in most fixtures up and down the football league structure will wear poppies on their kits. Meanwhile, defender Tom O'Connor was spotted not wearing one either, nor was goalscorer Ryan Barnett.

Speaking previously with to Sky Sports, McClean said: “Yeah, look, maybe I was a bit naive in thinking you know, with me being the one that took the stand first, it'll pave the way for young Irish lads coming through and it doesn't seem to be the case.

"I speak to a lot of people and I've had players say that they don't believe in wearing the poppy and they wouldn't wear it, but they just don't want to the hassle.

"The perception and reality are two completely different things.

"The people that judge me don't know me. Never spent time with me. You have two sides. You have someone with one set of values and someone with other values. I'm just asking for respect.

“I wouldn't say: "Oh, look at him wearing a poppy." It doesn't bother me that people have their views. I understand that people have different values from me and different beliefs. I respect that. Just because I don't fall in line, that doesn't mean I disrespect or I hate you."

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