JAMES MCCLEAN HAS been warned by the Football Association (FA) for his use of offensive language on social media, but no further disciplinary action will be taken against the Ireland international.
McClean was the subject of abuse from a section of Stoke City supporters on Saturday for not wearing a poppy, and the winger reacted angrily in an Instagram post, quoting Bobby Sands and describing the fans who abused him as ‘uneducated cavemen.’
It was reported earlier that the FA were investigating McClean’s comments — which again caused the Derry native to respond on Instagram — but the governing body have only issued him with a warning.
In a statement, the FA say the rest of McClean’s postings ‘do not breach FA rules’ and therefore no further action will be taken.
Video footage posted online showed a section of Stoke supporters throw objects at McClean during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Middlesborough after the club announced he would not be wearing a poppy on his jersey.
In his post on Instagram, McClean said: “Your abuse, your throwing things, your booing, do your worst,” while also thanking the Stoke fans who “are actually educated and support me.”
The 62-time capped Ireland winger also claimed the FA ‘turn a blind eye’ to the years of abuse he received, suggesting he is targeted because he — like Neil Lennon in Scotland — is an Irish Catholic.
In the second part of its statement, the FA said:”The FA adds that any discriminatory language or behaviour aimed at any person or persons of nationality or faith, as we understand may have been experienced by the player in this case, is unacceptable.”
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I voted yes. He is the “in-form” Irish striker in the Premiership this season. Fair enough, Best has scored a few goals but his all round play isn’t as good as Walters. The Stoke man offers pace, strength, work rate and can bang in a goal or two.
Would it be mental to put McCarthy or Fahey in behind Keane?
Yip, it would. We need a physical presence up front. Jon Walters is the man.
What about Skokes? Maybe manager should be looking at what’s best for team and putting personal differences behind him…
yes i agree stokes is the manor best
Stokes?? Are you for real??
I feel it would be foolish to play an extra man in midfield because the team is used to playing together in a 442. Probably not a good idea to go messing about with players and tactics. If keane was up front on his own he would forget to stay on the central defenders toes and be running all over the place. We need the physical presence of Walters in the frontline battle.
Walters deserves a shot. He was impressive during his cameo versus Armenia. Dont forget the cat is no in the bag!
No, he should stick to the journalism !!
:)
I would be very happy if Walters starts. He is a prescene but much more than a “big man” up front. Has a good first touch and a decent range of passing. We have a surprisingly decent range of options up front at the moment with Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters, Cox and Best. If Conor Sammon starts to get a bit more playing time at Wigan he could sharpen up too
Eh Ch’yeah!
yes walters should start up front with robbie keane,we have to stay with a 4 4 2 formation and go for it
Personally I would choose Walters up front with Best. Keane is rusty and his best days are behind him! Either way a One nil to us will set us up nicely.
Scored a great goal for Galaxy last week? I think Doyle being sent off v Armenia showed us the potential of Walters up front on his own..
James McCarthy – good player, should be starting every game
Perry groves !!!