Stoke have issued a statement on their website stating that their investigation into James McClean’s social media post following last Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough has concluded and the player has been dealt with under the terms of the Club’s disciplinary procedure.
The 29-year-old winger was warned by the FA after calling a certain section of Stoke fans 'uneducated cavemen' in an Instagram post, after recieving abuse for refusing to wear a poppy during the club's game with Middlesbrough.
The Championship club have also issued a statement from McClean in which he has apologised to the 'vast majority' of Stoke fans, who are decent and respectful to his views:
At last Saturday’s game a section of our supporters threatened and abused me because of my religious beliefs and upbringing.
I am certain that no fair-minded person would regard that as acceptable but I recognise that as a professional footballer, and therefore a role model, I’m expected to tolerate it.
Whilst, I do not believe it is appropriate for me to apologise to those fans who abused me, I do want to whole-heartedly apologise to the vast majority of Stoke City fans who although they may have different views to myself are decent and respectful.
I sincerely apologise for any offence that I caused them with my comments and posting on Instagram.
