James McClean flag row: Albion boss Tony Pulis urges player to 'show respect'

McClean refused to turn to face the English flag during an anthem ceremony before the club's 2-1 pre-season win against Charleston Battery in South Carolina.

The 25-year-old, who his from a staunch republican area of Northern Ireland, has previously upset sections of support at former clubs Sunderland and Wigan by refusing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt out of respect for republicans killed by British soldiers.

And on Friday, when his new club played the second game of their US tour, McClean remained facing the crowd in the main stand at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston while the rest of the Baggies team turned to face the cross of St George and the US flag during the anthems.

Tony Pulis has since asked the 26-year-old to remain respectful and McClean is understood to have agreed.

McClean initially turned with his team-mates towards South Stand at Charleston's Blackbaud Stadium to face flagpoles bearing the US and English flags. But he turned back towards the main stand, away from the flags, during God Save the Queen and stood head bowed.

Albion correspondent Steve Madeley took to Twitter with an update.

The incident was captured on camera by a Baggies fan in the crowd, and sparked discussion on Twitter:

McClean has previously explained his refusal to wear a poppy in an open letter to Wigan fans who were unhappy with his stance.

In it, the Ireland international wrote: "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."

Fans reacted with a mixture of views online.

Colm Brosnan, from Ireland, said on Twitter: "McClean clearly appreciates playing for this club, England is irrelevant. Besides, club national anthems are ridiculous."

David Neale tweeted: "I wouldn't turn my back on the German flag for something they did decades ago. Especially if I worked in Germany."

McClean tweeted yesterday: "I don't need to say anything or will I either but maybe people should have a read of this man's article." The tweet linked to a piece defending his actions on the Eurosport website.