Former Chelsea midfielder added he respects people's decision to wear the symbol of remembrance but can longer bring himself to do so after the 'frightening' childhood experience
NEMANJA MATIC has revealed he will not wear a poppy this year because his Serbian home was attacked with bombs when he was just 12-years-old.
The Manchester United star said he respects people's decision to wear the symbol of remembrance.
But Matic can no longer bring himself to do so after a "frightening" childhood experience - with his town left "devastated" in 1999.
The Serbian star was forced into his public revelation on social media following vile abuse from fans after failing to wear a poppy in Saturday's win over Bournemouth.
As it emerged that Stoke's James McClean faces an FA probe over his reaction to fans who abused him for not wearing a poppy, Matic wrote on Instagram: "I recognise fully why people wear poppies.
"I totally respect everyone’s right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict.
"However, for me it is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Vrelo, as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999.
"Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt.
"I do not want to undermine the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or offend anyone.
"However, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal choice for the reasons outlined.
"I hope everyone understands my reasons now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead."
Matic was sickeningly abused on social media after failing to wear a poppy on Saturday afternoon - with one critic even calling him a disgrace.
One fan wrote: "I would drop him and he would never play for United again #nosurrender #lestwe forget #wewillremember them".
Another added: "No excuse for Matic not wearing a poppy. British involvement in Kosovo has nothing to do with remembering those who gave their lives in two World Wars #DISGRACE."
A third said: "F***Matic off, no poppy."
While another added: "Matic isn't wearing a poppy, snap the c**t's leg."
