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Why James McClean won't wear a poppy for Albion today

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James McClean will not wear a poppy during Albion's home match against Leicester today.

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Both teams will have poppies embroidered on their shirts because it is West Brom's last home game before Remembrance Day.

But McClean, who comes from Derry and plays internationally for the Republic of Ireland, will once again choose not to have one on his shirt.

Having built up a good partnership with full-back Chris Brunt down the left wing, the 26-year-old is likely to start the game.

McClean explained his stance in a candid interview inside Albion's match day programme for the last home game against Sunderland.

"We are coming up to Remembrance Day and I won't wear a poppy on my shirt when those games come around," he confirmed.

"People say that by not wearing a poppy, I'm being disrespectful but they don't ask why it is that I choose not to wear it.

"If the poppy was simply about World War One and Two victims alone, I would wear it without a problem.

"I'd wear it every day of the year if that was the thing, but it doesn't, it stands for all the conflicts that Britain has been involved in.

"Because of the history of where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that.

"I have no issue with people that do wear the poppy, I absolutely respect their right to do that but I would hope that people respect my right to have a different opinion on it too."

Although Albion boss Tony Pulis doesn't share McClean's stance, he respects his right to uphold it.

"The greatest thing about this country is people have the right to express their views and their opinions," said Pulis.

"James has got his view, he's come out and spoke about it, whether you agree with him or disagree with him that's his views.

"I've no problems at all [with McClean not wearing a poppy].

"It's not what I personally believe, but if that's what James believes that's what he believes."