Alan Mannus stood out and became a talking point before yesterday's FAI Cup Final between Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk.
Mannus was lining out for Rovers in the FAI Cup Final against Dundalk and helped his side end their long wait to lift the trophy.
It was the first time in 32 years they won Ireland's biggest cup competition.
As the Irish national anthem played amid the pre-game formalities, players turned to face the Irish tricolor flying from the stadium as is customary before most national soccer events.
Of the 22 players lined up, 21 turned to face the flag.
But Mannus did not, instead standing facing forward as the anthem played.
The decision not to face the flag got some supporters going on social media who felt he was disrespecting the anthem.
One fan tweeted to say: "Alan Mannus not respecting our anthem. Doesn't have to sing but respect costs nothing."
Another added: "Alan Mannus turning away from the flag. He really doesn't help himself."
While another fan joked: "Alan Mannus looked like he was ready to fight the national anthem."
But others compared his decision to that of James McClean who often receives abuse for not wearing a poppy while playing football in England for the likes of Sunderland, Wigan and Stoke.
One said: "The same people slaughtering Alan Mannus are the same people who do be up in arms when James McClean gets hate for standing up for his beliefs."
Another smartly added: "Lads, Mannus can turn if he wants. The same with the McClean poppy situation. We can all agree we don't like him because he's Rovers though!"
Mannus is in his second spell at the Hoops having spent seven years at St Johnstone in between.
His point-blank stop from Georgie Kelly at the end of extra-time kept Rovers in the tie, before making a save in the penalty shootout to deny Daniel Cleary as Rovers took the cup 4-2 on spot kicks.
