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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Wrexham captain James McClean continued his ongoing protest to Remembrance Sunday by refusing to wear a poppy and standing away from his teammates during the League One club’s fixture against Mansfield on Saturday.

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 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. Games across the country this weekend will pay their respects to those fallen in war by wearing a traditional poppy on their shirts or black armband