The Stoke winger appeared completely undaunted
Over recent years, James McClean has made his reasons for not wearing a poppy on his football shirt clear.
Despite this, the Republic of Ireland winger, now with Stoke City, has repeatedly suffered abuse from some football supporters for his decision.
Last November, at a time when many professional players in England wore the symbol on their shirts, McClean was jeered by some sections of the home and away supporters as he played for Stoke in their game against Middlesbrough -something which later prompted him to respond on Instagram.
That particular incident long since settled, footage showing McClean receiving more poppy-related abuse from supporters during Stoke’s game against QPR on Saturday has surfaced on Twitter.
Despite being a whole four months on from what is typically poppy-wearing season in the UK, numerous supporters can be heard repeatedly asking McClean where his poppy is in the footage below, taken at Loftus Road.
The 29-year-old appears undaunted, turning to face those shouting at him square on.
https://twitter.com/Jase2103/status/1104431902012964864
McClean is not the only high-profile footballer who has chosen not to wear a poppy. Manchester United’s Serbian international midfielder Nemanja Matic also opted against wearing one last year.
Having initially said he’d made the decision for personal reasons, Matic later explained that it brought back memories of an attack he witnessed in his hometown when he was just 12 years of age.
