This weekend, Serbian soccer player Nemanja Matic from Manchester United, and James McClean from Stoke City Football Club refused to wear a red poppy to commemorate Remembrance Sunday when the UK marks “the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.”
Remembrance Sunday is commemorated by the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations. It was first dedicated to the British soldiers who served in the First World War on the anniversary of the armistice; but now it commemorates the contribution of both the military and civilians during both world wars and subsequent conflicts. On the second Sunday of every November, people from the UK and other NATO countries wear a symbolic poppy on their clothes.
Serbian Man Utd Star Rejects Tribute to Dead NATO Soldiers
On November 3, before the match between Manchester United and Bornmut, a Serbian midfielder refused to wear a red poppy on his T-shirt. On November 5, he explained his move via Instagram. Matic said that his homeland “was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999,” in which the UK played a key role. The soccer player added that he respects the right of people to wear poppies, but he himself wouldn't do so, although he has in the past.
The incident has caused quite a stir, both in the media and on social networks. Some even suggested that Matic should leave Britain.
Regarding Matic's…
