James McClean and his family have revealed they are leaving England after the Irish winger spent 15 controversial years in the Football League.
Since his arrival in England in 2011, McClean has been accused by fans of disrespecting veterans over his decision, sparking fury.
The player’s reasons surround the town of Derry, which was the location of the infamous 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, in which British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, killing 14.
He believes the poppy commemorates all British military activity, not just the soldiers of the World Wars.
His wife said that they were “closing the door” on the abuse.
Last year, McClean said: “I could have easily just said, ‘I’ll wear a poppy,’ and sold myself out and be known for my football or I’ll not wear a poppy and be known as that but I’ve stayed true to myself.
“Six of seven people from the Creggan estate (where he grew up in Northern Ireland) died on Bloody Sunday that day so for me to wear a poppy in support of the people who carried out those atrocities…
“It frustrates me how people can’t see that. How is it even a debate of why I should wear the poppy?”
James McClean is leaving England | PA
He has also said: “The poppy represents for me an entirely different meaning to what it does for others.
“Am I offended by someone wearing a poppy? No absolutely not. What does offend me though is having the poppy [to be] forced upon me.
“The poppy which originally stood for World War I and II 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 I and II, then I would have no issue wearing it, but that’s not the case.”
Katie McCabe still took part in the Remembrance silence prior to Arsenal’s thumping win over Leicester | PA
Following his departure from the English league, GB News has taken a look at some of the footballers who have opted against wearing the poppy over the years.
A trio of players opted out of the tribute in 2025, including an Arsenal star.
Arsenal Women left-back and Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe opted against having the symbol on her jersey during the Gunners’ 4-1 victory over Leicester.
Brighton’s Caitlin Hayes, Crystal Palace’s Abbie Larkin and London City Lionesses’ Hayley Nolan also followed suit, with all four players Irish internationals.
Arsenal footballer Katie McCabe refused to wear a poppy during a win over Leicester
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Former Manchester United and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic also refused the memorial in 2018, saying the poppy was a personal reminder of the 1999 Nato bombing of Serbia. He was just 12 at the time.
Matic said: “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.”
Nemanja Matic Nemanja Matic also refused the memorial in 2018
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The British Legion, meanwhile, insist that it is someone’s ‘personal choice’ to wear a poppy.
A statement on their website reads: “Wearing a poppy shows the Armed Forces community their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“We often hear people debating the ‘correct’ way to wear a poppy, but the truth is, unless you’re currently serving, there is no ‘correct’ way.
“It’s a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it. We simply ask that if you do wear a poppy, you wear it with pride.”
