British investigators have launched a probe after Irish soccer star James McClean received death threats for refusing to wear a club shirt specially embroidered with the Royal British Legion poppy.

The Sunderland winger was the only player who refused to wear the specially commissioned shirt, that featured a poppy on the chest as part of the Remembrance Sunday commemoration during his team’s game against Everton. Instead the Derry-born Republic of Ireland international asked to wear his usual shirt.

Read More James McClean related stories here

An Phoblacht reports that Cody Lachey, a Manchester doorman sent threats to McClean via An Phoblacht and other newspapers and Twitter.

Lachey tweeted directly to An Phoblacht:” @codylachey50: @An_Phoblacht: Poppy bullies’ death threats against James McClean! Too right he deserves to be shot dead + body dragged past the cenotaph!! (SIC)” His Twitter account has since been suspended.

Police told reporters the ex-soldier's threats are being examined.

Read More: Enda Kenny and sports stars Brian O’Driscoll and James McClean criticised over Poppy Day snub

In response to the controversy McClean put his poppyless shirt up for charity auction this week.
The 23-year-old intends to sell his shirt to the highest bidder in aid of a Dublin children’s cancer hospital.

Read More: Sunderland boss backs James McClean and confirms death threats

James McClean wears a poppy-less shirt against Everton vs Sunderland 2-1