The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been warned by boss Tony Pulis

Star faces Twitter backlash as MP calls on him to quit English football

He previously refused to wear a poppy on his kit while playing for Sunderland and Wigan citing disrespect to Troubles victims

James McClean turned his back on the British national anthem during West Brom's pre-season friendly against Charleston Battery in the US

Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean has sparked anger by turning his back on the British national anthem during his club's pre-season tour in the US.

Premier League star McClean was seen to face away from the flag of St George as he stood alongside his West Bromwich Albion team-mates who were lining up to face South Carolina-based United Soccer League club Charleston Battery.

The 26-year-old from Derry previously refused to wear a poppy on his kit in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday while playing for Sunderland and Wigan Athletic, saying it would have been disrespectful to the 'innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles'.

James McClean (No 14) lined up with his West Brom team-mates during their pre-season match on Friday

McClean turned away from the cross of St George when 'God Save The Queen' began to play

The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been warned about his behaviour by West Brom boss Tony Pulis

Republic of Ireland international McClean has received abuse for his actions during West Brom's tour

His decision to snub the anthem sparked anger on Twitter, with some fans branding him 'scum' for his actions.

He also faced calls for him to walk away from English football, with Northern Irish Democratic Ulster Unionist MP Gregory Campbell saying: 'He should reconsider who his paymasters are or move elsewhere so there isn't a problem.'

Mr Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph: 'He needs to keep his head down and play football, but what he shouldn't do while earning money from the UK is set himself up as a controversial pseudo-political figure, which is what he's doing.'

McClean responded to criticism by tweeting 'I don't need to say anything or will I either' but encouraged followers to read an online article entitled 'In Defence of James McClean'.

Sportsmail understands West Brom manager Tony Pulis spoke to McClean after the match and told him to be more mindful, but this is not the first time the player has caused controversy for his beliefs.

In November 2012 he received abuse and death threats on Twitter after refusing to wear a remembrance poppy on his kit with his Sunderland team-mates.

A week after the snub, McClean was booed by his own supporters with some taunting him with chants such as 'f*** the IRA' and others about hunger striker Bobby Sands, while Northumbria Police confirmed they were investigating death threats directed at the player.

A man claiming to be a British soldier posted photographs of 5.6mm bullets on the midfielder's timeline on the social networking website, and wrote: 'Poppy bullies' death threats against James McClean! Too right he deserves to be shot dead + body dragged past the cenotaph!!'

McClean, who is from a republican area of Northern Ireland, last year wrote a letter to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan explaining his stance after again refusing to wear a poppy on his kit.

Then-Wigan player McClean refused to wear a poppy on his shirt against Bolton last year

McClean wrote a letter to the Wigan chairman last year explaining his stance after refusing to wear a poppy

McClean responded to criticism by tweeting 'I don't need to say anything or will I either'

HIS CONTROVERSIAL CAREER Aug 2011 - McClean signs for Sunderland in £350,000 move from Derry City Nov 2012 - He refuses to wear a remembrance poppy in match against Everton Nov 2012 - He receives abuse and death threats on social networking website Twitter April 2013 - McClean is banned from driving after being caught speeding at 95mph without a full driving licence Aug 2013 - He signs for Wigan in £1m move Nov 2014 - McClean refuses to wear a remembrance poppy in match against Bolton Nov 2014 - He pens open letter to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan explaining why, declaring it 'would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people' June 2015 - McClean signs for West Brom in £1.5m move July 2015 - He turns his back on the British national anthem before their pre-season tie Advertisement

He wrote: 'For me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially - as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII.

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

'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.'

McClean's latest controversial decision has been met with similar outrage on Twitter.

One user, @amywiseman22, wrote: 'James McClean... Happy to live and earn in England, not happy to respect its traditions or beliefs.'

Another, @leeukufc, added: 'This James McClean fella turning his back at our national anthem, bet he doesn't shy away from collections his English wage...'

'James McClean shouldn't be in our country if he can't even respect the national anthem! I can understand the poppy thing but not the anthem,' added @dan_safc3.

It hasn't been disapproved by all users, however. User @evamcl3 wrote: 'People who had a go at McClean probably missed a few history lessons. Well done to the lad.'

West Brom fans using forums appeared divided by the player's actions, with one saying he was 'on very thin ice' while another wrote: 'Wow, social media gone crazy now in support of McLean. Talk about evidence of the divide amongst fans, it really is hotting up for some rows in the stands.'

Writing on baggieszone.co.uk, one user said: 'However we all want to argue it, the point made about him when signing was that this guy comes with serious baggage and will attract unwanted attention.

'Whether his actions are right or wrong it does nothing for team camaraderie, nothing but negative PR attention for the club, and he simply won't get away with it with WBA supporters, we have quite a potential backlash on our hands.'

McClean is from a republican area of Northern Ireland and has previously refused to wear a poppy

McClean was not punished or fined for the latest incident and responded by scoring the opening goal in West Brom's 2-1 win over Richmond Kickers on Sunday.

The game had to be suspended for half hour due to lightning, but McClean's 25-yard left-footed strike after 14 minutes gave West Brom the lead before they were pegged back late on.

Brown Ideye, however, put West Brom back in front in the 89th minute with a bullet header from Stephane Sessegnon's inch-perfect whipped cross from the right. Kickers and Battery feature in the United Soccer League, which is two divisions below Major League Soccer.