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

The 35-year-old, who was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, has refused to take part in Remembrance commemorations since moving to England.

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.

A video shows what James McClean did to Mansfield fans after refusing to stand with his Wrexham teammates as they observed a minute's silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday. McClean has refused to take part in Remembrance commemorations ever since he moved to England back in 2011.

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the annual witch hunt of James McClean. The Wrexham captain found himself at the centre of controversy this weekend for refusing to wear a poppy armband before Saturday’s game against Mansfield Town.

The Red Dragon's captain once again refused to wear a poppy as his teammates and the opposition paid their respects before kick-off

Wrexham captain James McClean says he will not compromise his convictions after explaining why he opts not to wear a poppy. The former Republic of Ireland international stood away from team-mates during the minute’s silence for Remembrance Day held prior ...

It is a tradition for all players across England to wear poppies and come together before games kick off on Armistice weekend, but McClean has consistently refused to do so since moving to play in Eng