James McClean Poppy Scandal: Wigan's Former Premier League Prospect Refuses To Respect British War Veterans

James McClean was once a top Premier League prospect, and he might well get back there eventually. However, the Wigan Athletic star has annoyed much of the British public over the years by being the only poppy-less player in football games. He always stated that he did so with "good reasons," but after receiving a ton of insults for not supporting the British war veterans on Remembrance Sunday, his club have released his letter that he sent to the chairman, Dave Whelan, and it's a must-read piece.

McClean has now explained that while he respects the tradition, he cannot betray the beliefs of his local area. The star has been abused for years because of this, but he's finally been given the break he deserves. His heartfelt letter has gone a long way to clearing the air with the British soccer fans.

In his letter he goes on to explain that his reasons for not wearing a poppy were "genuine", saying, "I mourn their deaths like every other decent person and if the poppy was a symbol only for the lost souls of World War I and II I would wear one."

But why would it be such a bad thing for him to do? He explained "Mr. Whelan, 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."

The star has had a lot of hate over the years, and his letter seems a genuine attempt to clear his name, but one will wonder if this will become a huge issue once again next season? It's clear McClean loves his club, saying, "As the owner of the club I am proud to play for, I believe I owe both you and the club's supporters this explanation."

Should the fans get off his back, or should he attempt to get them off his back? It's a tough situation, but it seems there's no right or wrong answer.