Irish international James McClean has released a powerful statement in response to the news the FA are investigating his Instagram post in the aftermath of Stoke City’s 0-0 with Middlesborough. The James McClean FA response asks why verbal abuse has not been sufficiently dealt with.
The Winger was subjected to boos and taunts from both sections of the fans during last weekend's game and he took to social media in response. Videos emerged of supporters verbally abusing the 29-year-old as he left the pitch.
It then emerged that both his club and the FA were investigating that post. However, McClean has responded once again on Instagram to ask why there has been no condemnation of the "constant sectarian abuse, death threats, objects being thrown, chanting which is heard loud and clear every week."
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He went on to compare it to the Neil Lennon situation in Scotland. Lennon was struck by a coin during Hibernian's 0-0 draw with Hearts last week and hit out at the 'racism' in a press conference last week.
You call it sectarianism. I call it racism. You call it sectarianism here in Scotland, I call it racism. If a black man is abused, you're not just abusing the colour of his skin - you're abusing his culture, heritage, his background.
It's the exact same when I get called a Fenian, a pauper, a beggar, a tarrier. These people have a sense of entitlement, or a superiority complex, and all I do is stand up for myself.
