James McClean sanctioned by Stoke City and apologises over ‘balaclava’ photo

In the Instagram picture – where McClean is in a ‘home school’ situation with his two children – the Londonderry native is seen sitting on a box facing the seated children.

He titled the image: ‘Todays school lesson – history’ with a laughing emoji.

The image provoked a fierce backlash and was removed soon afterwards.

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 Stoke City statement adds: “The Club and the player will be making no further comment on the matter.