sport news James McClean stands apart from his Wigan team-mates during minute of silence trends now
James McClean wore a black armband before Wigan's Championship clash with Huddersfield but decided to stand away from his team-mates during the commemorative minute of silence.
There was speculation as to whether the Republic of Ireland international would wear the black armband as he has previously refused to take part in gestures honouring elements of the British empire such as wearing a poppy.
However, the 33-year-old winger was pictured wearing a black arm band out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II - who passed away peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday last week.
James McClean wore a black arm band before Wigan's Championship clash with Huddersfield
The UK Government said there was no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period following the death of the Queen.
Instead, they said that the decision was left at the discretion of individual organisations and hinted that they should 'hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures' if they decide to go ahead.
Therefore, Wigan and Huddersfield players wore black armbands during their Championship clash and took part in a minutes silence before the fixture took place on Tuesday evening.
He decided to stand away from his team-mates during commemorative minute of silence
The use of black armbands and the minute of silence was out of respect for the Queen
There was speculation as to whether McClean would wear the armband ahead of the game given his views on the British empire.
McClean shared an Instagram post on Monday afternoon to discuss the ongoing speculation.
He said: '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 ie. Miguel Delaney.'
McClean has previously refused to wear poppy-embroidered shirts for fixtures against Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest in 2018.
The poppy, which is sold by the British Legion to raise money for those currently serving in the armed forces and their families, is used a symbol to remember those who died in that conflict and others subsequently.
But McClean refused to wear them on his shirt due to the fact they are used to remember not just the First and Second World War but also other conflict Britain has been involved in.
