James McClean will NOT wear Remembrance Day poppy on Stoke shirt and asks fans to respect his decision
The 29-year-old is a native of Derry, Northern Ireland, site of Bloody Sunday in 1972
JAMES McCLEAN has confirmed he will not wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt for Stoke's upcoming games against Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
The Republic of Ireland international, who joined Stoke in the summer, took the same decision at previous clubs Sunderland, Wigan and West Brom.
The 29-year-old is a native of Derry, Northern Ireland, site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday tragedy in which 14 civilians were killed in clashes with the British Army.
McClean said in a statement issued by the club: "I know many people won't agree with my decision or even attempt to gain an understanding of why I don't wear a poppy.
"I accept that but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I'm respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy."
Stoke host Boro in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday and travel to Forest the following weekend.
The statement added that other players would be wearing poppies on shirts at both fixtures.
It continued: "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."