During a minute of silence to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Ireland midfielder James McClean chose to stand apart from his Wigan team-mates.
Speculation arose before the match on Tuesday night, September 14, as to whether the Republic of Ireland international would wear the black armband, given his previous refusal to partake in gestures such as wearing shirts bearing the symbol of the remembrance poppy.
When asked about potential tributes to the Queen earlier in the week, he responded, “Unless you are a nationalist that was born and raised in Derry or anywhere else in the north of Ireland then don’t assume or speak on our behalf unless you can relate.”
However, the 33-year-old chose to stand separately from his teammates as they joined arms during the minute’s silence. He later shared images on his Instagram account of an Irish boxer commending him as a ‘legend’ for his insistent stance.
The Derry-born winger was pictured with his head bowed, but standing apart from his Wigan team-mates, during a minute’s silence ahead of the Latics’ Championship match against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The commemoration was observed across all English football grounds that hosted that evening’s EFL games as well as Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Dutch side Ajax at Anfield.
