During Arsenal’s commanding 4-1 triumph over Leicester City, Katie McCabe made headlines by choosing not to wear a poppy, as Women’s Super League clubs began their Remembrance Day tributes.

Leicester City had previously announced that this match would serve as their official Remembrance fixture. As part of the commemorations, both teams were expected to wear jerseys adorned with poppies.

The club also disclosed that these poppy-emblazoned jerseys would be auctioned post-match to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. This organization provides vital support to military service members, veterans, and their families.

However, the 30-year-old McCabe was noticeably without a poppy on her jersey, a decision that attracted attention, particularly from Irish fans who pointed out her choice.

Interestingly, McCabe had worn a poppy on her Arsenal kit during last year’s Remembrance period, adding another layer of intrigue to her recent decision.

Arsenal star Katie McCabe, left, did not wear a poppy in Arsenal’s victory over Leicester

McCabe, right, did join her Arsenal team-mates to observe a Remembrance Day minutes’ silence

McCabe had previously worn the poppy on her shirt during the Remembrance period last year

She played 59 minutes of Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Leicester on Sunday, a result that keeps them fifth in the WSL table.

Brighton’s Caitlin Hayes, also a member of Ireland’s national team, also opted against wearing a shirt featuring the poppy in their 3-2 defeat by Man United.

Neither McCabe nor Hayes have publicly commented on the reason behind their decision.

Wrexham footballer James McClean has previously spoken out about his reasoning for not wearing the poppy, having first made the decision back in 2012 which led to him being booed by his own fans at Stoke.

He has continued this stance throughout his career in England, leading to him being targeted by sectarian abuse.

The former Premier League full-back was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland and chooses not to wear a poppy because he feels it shows disrespect to people who died during the Troubles.

Brighton’s Caitlin Hayes also opted against wearing a poppy during their match with Man United

McClean’s hometown was the location of the infamous 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre and the Wrexham star has previously stated he believes the poppy is disrespectful to the memory of those who died in the incident.

McClean, who represented the Republic of Ireland at international level, previously stated that if the poppy was only used to memorialise those who died solely in WW1 and WW2 then he would be happy to oblige with the show of respect.

His decision has previously seen McClean suffer torrents of abuse from angry supporters that view his poppy snub as an insult to the memory of armed forces personnel who have lost their lives in combat.

Last year, McClean had stood apart from his team-mates as the pre-match minute’s silence were held before matches during the Remembrance period. 

in October, McClean described the issue of the poppy as ‘a pain in my a***’ and it first became a controversy when he was at Sunderland. 

The club released a statement telling fans it was the player’s choice not to wear one, leading to a public outcry and even threats on his life.

He reiterated why he is adamant in his refusal to partake in the Remembrance Day gesture, adding: ‘I was getting death threats, people were saying he should be shot and dragged across the Cenotaph.

James McLean has opted against wearing the poppy on his shirt for much of his career

The Wrexham star last year stood separate to his team-mates observing a moment of silence

‘I could have easily just said, “I’ll wear a poppy,” and sold myself out and be known for my football or I’ll not wear a poppy and be known as that but I’ve stayed true to myself.

‘Six of seven people from the Creggan estate (where he grew up in Northern Ireland) died on Bloody Sunday that day so for me to wear a poppy in support of the people who carried out those atrocities…

‘It frustrates me how people can’t see that. How is it even a debate of why I should wear the poppy.’