McClean asks fans to 'respect my poppy decision'

Stoke City are backing their player not wearing a poppy, stating that they "respect his decision and his right to follow his own convictions".

McClean has come under heavy criticism in the past for not wearing a poppy, however he has appealed to fans and asked them to respect his decision. 

"I know many people won't agree with my decision or even attempt to gain an understanding of why I don't wear a poppy," McClean told 'Sky Sports'.

"I accept that but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I'm respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy."

McClean insisted he is "not a war monger, or anti-British".

Stoke said they remain "proud of our close connections with the Armed Forces" and have also invited members of the Armed Forces to join their remembrance at the Middlesbrough fixture.

"However, we recognise that the poppy means different things to different individuals and communities and (like the Royal British Legion) do not believe that anybody should be forced or even pressured to wear the poppy against their free will," a club statement added.