Arsenal star’s decision not to wear poppy sparks discussion
An Arsenal star was among a series of players who elected not to wear a poppy over last weekend’s games, reports BritPanorama.
Arsenal Women left-back and Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe chose not to wear the symbol during Sunday’s dedicated Remembrance fixture against Leicester City. Despite the significance of the occasion, McCabe, aged 30, joined fellow players from her country in this decision.
The red poppies are traditionally worn in both the Women’s Super League and the men’s Premier League, with clubs typically stitching them into team shirts before auctioning them off to support the Royal British Legion. However, McCabe’s choice not to wear the poppy aligns her with Brighton’s Caitlin Hayes, Crystal Palace’s Abbie Larkin, and London City Lionesses’ Hayley Nolan, all of whom also skipped wearing the memorial.
While McCabe has worn a poppy in previous years, she has opted not to do so this season, taking a personal stance. Nonetheless, she participated in Arsenal’s Remembrance silence before the match, reflecting a respect for the occasion despite her decision. McCabe is set to continue this practice when Chelsea visits the Emirates on Sunday.
Fellow Republic of Ireland player James McClean has also steadfastly refused to wear the poppy, stating, “The poppy represents for me an entirely different meaning to what it does for others.” His remarks highlight how symbols of remembrance can evoke diverse interpretations and feelings, particularly within the context of recent conflicts.
The Royal British Legion has recently launched its annual Poppy Appeal, seeking to surpass the £51.4million raised in 2024 to support Britain’s veterans. This discussion around McCabe and her peers not wearing the poppy underscores the complex relationship between remembrance and national identity within sports.
In navigating the intersection of sport and politics, these athletes illuminate a particularly poignant point—how even acts of remembrance can diverge sharply in meaning. While football is a game that often brings people together, the choices of players like McCabe remind us of the different narratives woven into the fabric of national symbols.
