Gregory Campbell criticises James McClean over poppy stance

The East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell says footballer McClean is "wrong" for not wearing a poppy over the weekend

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has criticised James McClean for refusing to wear a poppy.  The West Bromwich Albion midfielder took to the field against Manchester City on Saturday, without a poppy embroidered into his shirt.

"I see the Londonderry born footballer James McClean is up to his old tricks again." said Mr Campbell "Refusing to wear the poppy on his shirt against Manchester City today (Saturday)."  Mr Campbell also highlighted McLean's 'lambasting' of Kenny Shiels for "making a joke about international football."

Gregory Campbell added that "For those who say he's entitled to refuse to wear it, yes he is but being entitled to do something wrong doesn't make it right. He was wrong to do it previously and he's wrong now."

James McClean has previously clarified his stance regarding the wearing of a Poppy.  While playing for Wigan two years ago, he said that "since The Troubles the poppy has come to mean something very different".