James McClean: Wrexham captain explains poppy stance

McClean has regularly been criticised and the subject of abuse for his stance, first at Sunderland where he accused the club of not being allowed to explain his decision.

He has previously spoken of receiving death threats over the issue.

There have been a number of investigations into fan behaviour angered by McClean’s choice, while Stoke manager Gary Rowett said in 2018 he had seen abusive packages sent to the Irish player at the club’s training ground.

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) previously called the abuse unacceptable and said the decision to wear a poppy remained an individual’s choice.

McClean has also faced censure from the Football Association (FA) for past social media posts made in response to online abuse and criticism.

In 2020, McClean was fined two weeks’ wages by another of his former clubs, Stoke City, for an inappropriate Instagram post in which he was pictured wearing a balaclava in front of two children, with the caption “Today’s school lesson – History” along with a laughing emoji.

He later apologised and agreed to delete his Instagram account.

McClean has been critical of the FA and English Football League for a lack of action over the sectarian abuse aimed at him.

In 2023, Blackpool were fined £35,000 when McClean was subjected to sectarian abuse by fans during a game against Wigan.