Footballer James McClean stands apart during minute's silence to Queen

Wigan Athletic’s James McClean stood apart from his teammates during a minute's silence for the Queen, in what was an apparent gesture of defiance.

McClean sported a black armband ahead of Wigan’s Championship clash with Huddersfield at John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday night.

But when the players and spectators paused for a moment’s silence, McClean stood noticeably separated from the other Wigan players, who had joined arms.

Another image of McClean showed him with his head bowed.

The 33-year-old was later seen without the armband, following his team's 2-1 victory.

McClean has previously refused to wear shirts embroidered with the poppy, in an act of protest against honouring the British empire.

The Republic of Ireland international, who was born in Derry and raised on the same Creggan estate where six of the people killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972 came from, addressed the minute’s silence ahead of last night’s game.

On Monday he posted on Instagram: “Unless you are a nationalist that was born and raised in Derry or anywhere else in the north of Ireland then don't assume or speak on our behalf unless you can relate.”

Watch: Starmer: Protesters should respect people's decision to mourn the Queen

Tuesday’s match came after the government said sporting fixtures did not need to be cancelled in light of the Queen’s death – but suggested a “period of silence” at the start of sporting fixtures if games went ahead.

This morning, McClean re-posted a message from Irish professional boxer Declan Geraghty calling him a “legend” for not joining his teammates for the silence.

Speaking previously about his decision not to wear a poppy, McClean explained: “I know many people won't agree with my decision or even attempt to gain an understanding of why I don't wear a poppy.

“I accept that but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I'm respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy.”

In a letter addressed to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, he also wrote: ''If the poppy was a symbol only for the lost souls of World War One and Two I would wear one…

“But the poppy is used to remember victims of other conflicts since 1945 and this is where the problem starts for me.

“For people from the North of Ireland such as myself, and specifically those in Derry, scene of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, the poppy has come to mean something very different…

'It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.”

He added: “I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you're a man you should stand up for what you believe in.”