James McClean row: Former MP brands ‘balaclava’ backlash ‘out of order’

The Stoke City and Republic of Ireland player provoked an angry backlash and was fined by his club over the image – showing him acting as a home-school teacher for his two young children while wearing a balaclava.

A caption posted along with the photograph said: ‘Todays school lesson – history’ along with a laughing emoji.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, his club said: “Stoke City can confirm that, following an internal disciplinary review, disciplinary action has been taken against James McClean for an inappropriate social media post.

“McClean has been fined two weeks’ wages by the Club and has also agreed to delete his Instagram account.

“The player has expressed contrition and recognises that the post was ill advised and offensive.”

A quote attributed to the player states: “I never wanted to cause any offence but I now realise that I did so and for that I apologise unreservedly.

“I have spoken to the Club and will be deleting my Instagram account.”

The post has now been removed.

Responding to the widespread condemnation of the player’s actions, Ms McCallion described the negative reaction as “out of order.”

In a Twitter message, she said: “The personal abuse directed at James McClean and his family is out of order.

“James didn’t intend to offend & removed the post. That should be the end of it. James never forgets his community and people in Derry saw that yet again this past week. Best wishes to James, Erin and family.”