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. Wrexham’s captain added will never “bend the knee to compromise my convictions” as he spoke out for the first time since standing separately to his team-mates during a minute’s

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

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

James McClean has broken his silence after he refused to wear a poppy during Wrexham's National League win over Mansfield Town on Saturday

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.

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 fixtures against Mansfield.

Irish Wrexham captain James McClean is only free to protest against wearing a poppy because of the sacrifices of countless soldiers whom it commemorates, it has been claimed.

James McClean makes headlines around Remembrance Day on an annual basis, with the Wrexham captain explaining his stance on the poppy front.

Wrexham star James McLean has found himself in the national spotlight once again after standing apart from his team mates during a Remembrance silence. Ahead of yesterday's match (November 9) at the Stok Cae Ras where Wrexham AFC beat Mansfield Town FC 1-0,

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