Ulster Rugby issue statement to respond to criticism after being singled out for not wearing a poppy

Ulster faced intense criticism on Twitter despite being one of 11 clubs who did not fashion a poppy on their shirt this weekend

Ulster Rugby have been criticised for not wearing a poppy on their shirts (Getty Images)

Ulster Rugby have released a statement to respond to criticism they received after being singled out for not wearing a poppy on their shirts during Sunday’s victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.

A 19-12 victory over the Dragons gave Ulster their first Guinness Pro12 win of the season, but the club found themselves targeted on Twitter for not displaying a poppy on their shirts. Newport did have a poppy on their jersey, but as the Irish club have acknowledged in their statement, they were one of only two clubs to do so in the Pro12 at the weekend.

Having received messages of criticism after the match on Remembrance Sunday, Ulster issued the following statement on Monday morning: “Ulster Rugby players and supporters respectfully observed a minute’s silence prior to the fixture against Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday.

Each year Ulster Rugby pays respect in its usual and traditional manner with a memorial service at the arch

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“Kingspan Stadium has a permanent War Memorial Arch, which pays respect to those fallen during WW1 and WW2. Each year Ulster Rugby pays respect in its usual and traditional manner with a memorial service at the arch, during which a wreath is laid by the Ulster Rugby President. This year’s service will take place tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Ulster also highlighted that certain Aviva Premiership clubs didn’t sport a poppy on their shirt, yet went unnoticed.

“Wasps played Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership yesterday and neither club wore a poppy on their jerseys,” the statement continued.

“No other Guinness PRO12 club, with the exception of Newport Gwent Dragons, wore a poppy on their jerseys this weekend.”

The criticism for not wearing a poppy did not stop at rugby union, with Premier League footballer James McClean booed during West Bromwich Albion’s defeat by Manchester United on Saturday for deciding not to wear a poppy.

The Northern Ireland international, who stressed that he does not “refuse” to wear one as opposed to “chooses not to”, has previously explained why he feels he cannot do so. The Derry-born footballer stated: “I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong.”