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Manchester United Star Nemanja Matic Chose Not To Wear A Poppy During Arsenal Loss

Manchester United Star Nemanja Matic Chose Not To Wear A Poppy During Arsenal Loss

The Man Utd star chose not to wear the poppy on his shirt against Arsenal on Sunday.

Matt Penn

Matt Penn

Manchester United star Nemanja Matic decided NOT to wear a poppy on his shirt during his side's 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League.

Premier League clubs have poppies stitched into their jerseys over the next couple of weeks for Remembrance Sunday next week.

But Matic has seemingly decided not to wear one during United's 1-0 defeat to the Gunners at Old Trafford - a reason for which he gave two years ago.


Matic said he didn't want to wear one because of a bombing which occurred in the village he lived in when he was 12 years old in Serbia.

"I recognise fully why people wear poppies," he said in a statement two years ago.

"I totally respect everyone's right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict.

"However, for me it is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Vrelo, as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999.


"Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt.

"I do not want to undermine the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or offend anyone.

"However, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal choice for the reasons outlined.


"I hope everyone understands my reasons now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead."

The Royal British Legion have previously said that the decision to wear a poppy is a matter of personal choice.

Stoke midfielder James McClean has previously been criticised for his decision not to wear the poppy.

His decision has led to abuse from fans during games on numerous occasions.

The FA also previously charged McClean after an offensive social media post in response to the abuse he received from supporters over his poppy controversy.

Featured Image Credit: Premier League/PA

Topics: nemanja matic, Football News, Arsenal News, Manchester United, Premier League