Wear your Poppy with pride...

[Old Skier]

I didn't assume the player per se would get punished but wondered if the PL do voice their disapproval and while I understand it is a purely individual decision, whether the club feels any pressure to "persuade" their players to wear the shirt.

Highly unlikely and as it has been said throughout this thread it's not something anyone would be forced to do so I am unsure (I hope) what your motive is on pursuing the matter.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I'll probably buy one today.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Highly unlikely and as it has been said throughout this thread it's not something anyone would be forced to do so I am unsure (I hope) what your motive is on pursuing the matter.

I have no motive (and getting bored of all the between the lines suspicion). It was simply a question as I didn't know (and that's how you learn) whether because it is a PL initiative they do on behalf of the British Legion whether there any degree of pressure on both club and players. I'm not arguing against anyone's right to not wear one if they don't want to. It was just a simple question born from the comment earlier that he (the non-wearer) will stand out in team pictures etc and so asked how much the club may "try" and get him to change. No hidden agenda. No motive

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I have no motive (and getting bored of all the between the lines suspicion). It was simply a question as I didn't know (and that's how you learn) whether because it is a PL initiative they do on behalf of the British Legion whether there any degree of pressure on both club and players. I'm not arguing against anyone's right to not wear one if they don't want to. It was just a simple question born from the comment earlier that he (the non-wearer) will stand out in team pictures etc and so asked how much the club may "try" and get him to change. No hidden agenda. No motive

To put it to bed, He first refused to wear ashirt a few years ago whilst he was playing for Sunderland, apparently there was some backlash at the time as he only refused when the shirts were produced just before the game (don't know if he/they new in advance) once it hit the press the club came under a lot of stick from fans and in the local papers. at the next game, first was away, Sunderland, as they do every year, had a military contingent lay a wreath in the centre circle and both teams and fans observe a 2 minute silence, Mclean did this, this led to another backlash asking why he can pay that respect but not wear the poppy.
SInce then he has played for another 2 clubs, Wigan and WBA, both were aware of his stance prior to signing him and it didn't stop them, It was believed Wigan were going to make a stance with him and this led to his letter. He has always been honest and upfront, whether we agree or disagree with his stance.

 

[Blue in Munich]

It's not about punishing anyone, it was to show support and raise awareness, McLean's decision is between him and the club.

It's actually publicly available;

http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-11-07-statement-regarding-james-mcclean-2070059.aspx


Republic of Ireland international James McClean explains poppy stance.
Wigan Athletic’s Republic of Ireland international winger James McClean will not be wearing a poppy shirt tonight alongside the rest of his Wigan Athletic team mates, as the club takes part in football’s annual Remembrance Day commemoration.

This is a personal decision by James, who explained his position in a letter to Latics Chairman Dave Whelan before the two met face to face to discuss the issue this week.

Following the meeting, Mr Whelan accepted James’ decision and it is both their wish that the letter is published here in full, alongside this statement. There will be no further comment on this issue by the club.

---

Dear Mr Whelan

I wanted to write to you before talking about this face to face and explain my reasons for not wearing a poppy on my shirt for the game at Bolton.

I have complete respect for those who fought and died in both World Wars - many I know were Irish-born. I have been told that your own Grandfather Paddy Whelan, from Tipperary, was one of those.

I mourn their deaths like every other decent person and if the Poppy was a symbol only for the lost souls of World War I and II I would wear one.

I want to make that 100% clear .You must understand this.

But the Poppy is used to remember victims of other conflicts since 1945 and this is where the problem starts for me.

For people from the North of Ireland such as myself, and specifically those in Derry, scene of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, the poppy has come to mean something very different. Please understand, Mr Whelan, that when you come from Creggan like myself or the Bogside, Brandywell or the majority of places in Derry, every person still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest days in Ireland’s history – even if like me you were born nearly 20 years after the event. It is just a part of who we are, ingrained into us from birth.

Mr Whelan, for me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially - as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII.

It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.

I am not a war monger, or anti-British, or a terrorist or any of the accusations levelled at me in the past. I am a peaceful guy, I believe everyone should live side by side, whatever their religious or political beliefs which I respect and ask for people to respect mine in return. Since last year, I am a father and I want my daughter to grow up in a peaceful world, like any parent.

I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you’re a man you should stand up for what you believe in.

I know you may not agree with my feelings but I hope very much that you understand my reasons.

As the owner of the club I am proud to play for, I believe I owe both you and the club’s supporters this explanation.

Yours sincerely,

James McClean

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Seen the letter mate, As I put the decision was between him and the Club, Which the Chairman accepted. My answer was in relation to any punishment by PL

 

[Blue in Munich]

Seen the letter mate, As I put the decision was between him and the Club, Which the Chairman accepted. My answer was in relation to any punishment by PL

Wasn't suggesting you didn't know, your post just seemed to me to suggest that it was shrouded in some degree of mystery so was surprised to find it so readily available. Fair play to him, it can't be easy to stand up to the weight of public opinion on this one.