Ex-West Brom midfielder James McClean declines to wear Remembrance Day poppy
Former West Brom midfielder James McClean will again not wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt this weekend.
The 29-year-old who is now with Stoke City, will don a regular playing top for the Potters' upcoming games with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
The Republic of Ireland international understands the decision is not a popular one, but has asked to for it to be respected.
Stoke City released a statement confirming McClean's wishes:
"The club is proud of its close connections with the armed forces and have also invited members of the armed forces to join our remembrance at the Middlesbrough fixture.
"However, we recognise that the poppy means different things to different individuals and communities and (like the Royal British Legion) do not believe that anybody should be forced or even pressured to wear the poppy against their free will.
"James has informed us that he will not be wearing a Remembrance Day poppy in our next two games. We respect his decision and his right to follow his own convictions."
McClean hails from Derry, where in 1972 British soldiers shot dead 13 civilian protestors during 'Bloody Sunday'.
