Matić chose to stop wearing one a couple of years ago
Poppy season has come round again, which means every Premier League player will wear a poppy emblazoned on their jersey as a gesture of remembrance to the war dead – except for those who choose not to. Usually this means James McClean taking a battering from people who misunderstand the notion of freedom of choice, but he’s not in the Premier League anymore. So all eyes are on Nemanja Matić, who once again did not wear one during Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
The Serbian was the only United player not to wear the Remembrance Day symbol.
In truth, Matic didn’t have to explain his stance. However, he has done so in a very eloquent fashion.
The former Chelsea midfielder has said that the symbol reminds him of his childhood growing up in Serbia, when United Kingdom forces took part in Nato’s bombing campaign in the country.
Matic has previously worn a poppy and says he respects those who choose to wear the symbol. But he said his decision not to wear one now is a “personal choice” and he asked for his decision to be respected.
You can read his full statement here: “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.”
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