Story highlights Matic opts not to wear poppyMan Utd star says it reminds him of childhood attack(CNN) Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has explained isn't wearing a poppy on his shirt because it reminds him of his childhood when the former Yugoslavia was bombed in a NATO-air campaign that lasted 78 days in 1999. Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, English football teams' kits include a poppy on the center of their shirts. On Saturday, the Serbian international drew attention by not wearing the emblem as Manchester United beat Bournemouth, receiving a barrage of abuse online. "Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt," wrote Matic on Instagram. "I recognize fully why people wear poppies, I totally respect everyone's right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict.

Source: CNN November 05, 2018 15:56 UTC