James McClean angry at reports of FA looking into incidents at Stoke vs Middlesbrough and social media posting

Stoke forward James McClean has criticised reports the Football Association is looking into his reaction to abuse from fans on Saturday over his decision not to wear a poppy.

Sky Sports News understands the FA is considering the events that led to McClean’s reaction, which came after he was booed and abused by fans at the Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough on Friday evening.

McClean later criticised sections of the support of both teams on Instagram, describing some as “uneducated cavemen” in the wake of the angry confrontations.

Stoke have told Sky Sports News they are also investigating McClean’s comments and the incidents with fans at the end of the 0-0 draw at the bet365 Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international has consistently made the decision not to wear a poppy on his shirt and again explained his reasons for that decision before Friday’s game.

He was backed by Stoke, who he signed for from West Brom over the summer, but that did not stop the negative reaction when he came on as a late substitute.

Posting another message on social media on Monday, McClean said: “The FA are investigating me after Saturday’s event – for what, exactly?

“Yet week in, week out for the past seven years, I get constant sectarian abuse, death threats, objects being thrown, chanting which is heard loud and clear every week which my family, wife and kids have to listen to, they turn a blind eye and not a single word or condemnation of any sort.

“Huddersfield away last year while playing (for) West Brom where there was an incident with their fans which was on the game highlights where the cameras clearly caught it, yet the FA – when complaint was made to them – said there ‘was not enough evidence’.

“If it was a person’s skin colour or if it was anti-Muslim, someone’s gender, there would be an uproar and it would be taken in a completely different way and dealt with in a different manner.

“But like in Neil Lennon’s case in Scotland, because we are Irish Catholics, they turn a blind eye and nothing is ever said and done.”

Sky Sports News have contacted the FA for comment.

(c) Sky News 2018: James McClean angry at reports of FA looking into incidents at Stoke vs Middlesbrough and social media posting