Wrexham captain James McClean explains poppy stance as Irishman continues to make headlines on an annual basis

Over the course of his career, the experienced ex-Republic of Ireland international has opted against wearing a poppy on his jersey or armband. In his latest outing for the Red Dragons, the 35-year-old stood apart from the rest of his team-mates as a minute’s silence was observed.

Having found himself in the news again, despite speaking out on a regular basis down the years, McClean has said in a lengthy Instagram post: "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 that’s not the case."

He went on to say: "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."

Wrexham prevailed 1-0 in their latest outing, at home to Mansfield, and have cemented their third-placed standing in the League One table. They have another busy week to come, which includes an EFL Trophy trip to Port Vale and a third-tier visit to Stockport.