James McClean and his wife hit out at those criticising the footballer’s Poppy stance, which he has had to explain reason behind many times.
At just after 5pm on Saturday, Sky News wrote in a tweet: “Wrexham FC player James McClean stood away from his teammates as they observed a minute’s silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday.”
She replied back: “I don’t know about the rest of you… but this is just boring now 🥴 12 years on you’d think it’d be old news.”
For those needing background, James McClean has refused to wear a poppy or participate in Remembrance Day silences with his decision stemming from his personal history and views on British involvement in Northern Ireland, particularly related to his hometown’s experience during the troubles, including the Bloody Sunday incident in 1972.
McClean has stated he would wear the poppy if it were solely for those who died in World Wars I and II, as this would include Irish soldiers.
However, his objection is to the broader remembrance which includes British military engagements in conflicts like Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
I don’t know about the rest of you… but this is just boring now 🥴 12 years on you’d think it’d be old news. https://t.co/qqELhyc60H
— Erin McClean (@Erineyy) November 9, 2024
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And so he should 👏🏼 https://t.co/neDRVUL0TP pic.twitter.com/cDiFbxSggt
— Liam Partyn (@liampartyn95) November 9, 2024
On the 10th of November 2024, James McClean also issued a post via Instagram: “I have addressed this matter many times, not that I should have to, but explaining it now on social media out of respect for work colleagues, team mates past and present, fans who have supported me (Wigan, Wrexham esp) for them to have a full understanding.
“The poppy represents for me an entire different meaning to what it does for others, am I offended by someone wearing a poppy? No absolutely not, what does offend me tho, is having the poppy try be forced upon me.
“The poppy which originally stood for world war 1 and 2 has now been adopted into honouring and remembering British soldiers that have served in all conflicts throughout the world including those who opened fire and murdered 14 innocent civilians on bloody Sunday Jan 1972, in my home city, as well many other brutal crimes throughout Ireland
“That is why i never have and never will wear a poppy. If the poppy’s sole purpose was to honour world war 1 and 2 then i would have no issue wearing it, but thats not the case.
“I respect those who do as I am fully aware we have different beliefs and upbringings, i would never force my beliefs on others, I’m not naive or stupid enough to expect the matter to be reciprocated, especially as the poppy is forced now on everyone in the UK and god forbid someone doesn’t wear it, the abuse they have to endure. The irony of all of this is that the poppy originally stood to honour those who fought for the right of freedom in both world wars.
“Some people no matter what will not educate themselves or want to educate themselves, so to those who throw abuse about, (matters they know nothing about) with insults like “hates our country” well I don’t, some of my best relationships I’ve made through the years are with people born and raised in england and have completely different beliefs to me.
““Happy to work and live in the uk but take the kings shilling, send him back to his home town to work then“ well the sad matter of fact is if i did i would still getting paid in the “kings shillings” unfortunately which part of the whole problem to begin with.
“One thing I never have and never will do, is bend the knee to compromise my convictions 🇮🇪”
Singer releases James McClean tribute song defending footballer’s poppy stance
Here’s how fans reacted as James McClean and his wife hit out at those criticising the footballer’s Poppy stance…
@WrexhamSunny147: We love James McClean here at Wrexham. At the end of the day, it’s his beliefs and he’s well in his right to have them beliefs. I’m very happy to call him Wrexham’s captain
@simonwxm: The coverage is boring but seeing a man stand up for his beliefs never is. Jimmy is loved in Wrexham.
@SeanDubIreland: Imagine but it gives us all a chance to be that much more proud of JMcC for a day every year. It’s become McClean appreciation day for anyone with half a brain. Revel in it, that drives them insane.
@RaymondMcCartn1: Erin, James has approached this issue with total honesty and integrity, and that has shone bright throughout. He’s not a bad player to boot!!
@DBW77: “Man sticks to principles” isn’t the headline they want though, sadly. They always have to make a big deal of it even though it’s perfectly logical why he chooses to do this.
@sasajones: Seeing him stand up for what he believes is what we expect and respect Jimmy for it. The way fans sang for him straight away just shows what we think of him. 💕
@YorbaDanny: The people of Derry and Ireland admire him for standing up for his principles and beliefs. It would be easy to toe the line and wear the poppy etc but James has the courage of his convictions to do what he does.
@StephenHamill93: Sick to death of it you would think the amount of times James has spoke about this they would have at least take it on board and understand his reasons every single year it’s the same thing it’s old and it’s boring….. I stand with James mcClean👏💚
@Achers85: 100%. The whole point of Remembrance is that it’s based around the fact people should and do have the opportunity to wear a poppy, not wear a poppy and anything in-between. It’s his choice and he has his reasons, which he’s made clear in the past
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