James McClean’s poppy stance praised at remembrance event
Footballer shows ‘great restraint and integrity in enduring these annual taunts’
A fan points to his chest as he shouts at West Bromwich Albion’s James McClean, who is wearing a shirt without a poppy. Photograph: Reuters
Ireland international soccer player James McClean “is a national hero” because “he chooses not to wear a poppy”, the annual Service of Remembrance at Dublin’s St Patrick’s Cathedral was told on Sunday. “I admire him for that,” said Canon Peter Campion in a sermon.
Precentor of St Patrick’s Cathedral he recalled how “my grandfather and his two brothers fought in World War I”. It was why he wears a poppy each year “to remember him and his brothers, adding” I don’t expect people to admire me for wearing the poppy, but I hope they will respect my choice.”