James McClean said he takes offence at the poppy being “forced upon me” after standing by his ongoing refusal to take part in pre-match Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

James McClean has once again explained his stance over the poppy and commemorative events in the UK around Remembrance Sunday. Clubs across England have been marking the day – which took place last Sunday – with a minute’s silence before matches along with players donning a poppy on their kits.

To get a read on James McClean, it's best to start by reading him. Literally. The former Ireland winger is a fan of body ink and has put a lot of thought into his tattoos. On McClean's left thigh is a quote: "A father is always making his baby into a little woman.

Former Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean has said that he won’t “compromise my convictions” in his continued stance on wearing the Remembrance Day poppy.

James McClean spoke out for the first time since refusing to stand with his Wrexham teammates during the Remembrance silence.

Wrexham captain James McClean stood separately to his team-mates and refused to wear a poppy as the club observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday ahead of their fixture against Mansfield.