Erin McClean, partner of Republic of Ireland and Stoke winger James McClean, has revealed some of the abuse her husband has received on social media.
McClean engaged in a back and forth with the FA earlier this week and accused the association of failing to deal with years of sectarian abuse aimed at him.
In a post on his Instagram account, McClean encouraged fans to do their worst and that no amount of abuse will change the fact that he is a proud fenian.
McClean has been a subject of abuse for his entire career in England and wife Erin revealed just a sample of some of the messages he’s received in a post on her Instagram account.
On Tuesday, the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland have called on the English and Scottish FA’s to have a more robust approach in dealing with abuse faced by players like James McClean and managers such as Neil Lennon.
A statement released on their website reads:
“Football Associations must respond with investigations of anti Irish racism,
“The FA have announced that they have investigated and warned James McClean for use of language arising from a post he put up on Instagram in which he referred to supporters who were abusing him.
“This statement is a joint call from Show Racism the Red Card Ireland, Show Racism the Red Card UK and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland to both the Football Association in England and the Scottish Football Association to have a more robust approach to abuse faced by players like James McClean and managers such as Neil Lennon.
“Racism on the basis of colour, nationality, religion or ethnicity is not acceptable and all within the game have a responsibility to respond appropriately.
“James McClean has stood in solidarity with team mates who have experienced racism and spoken out. We stand in solidarity with James McClean, Neil Lennon and all those who experience racism.
“We call on both the Football Association in England and the Scottish Football Association to investigate all incidents of anti-Irish discrimination.
“We also call on both associations to invest funding in anti-racism education to help both supporters and young people understand the dangers and the impact of racism.
Garrett Mullan (SRTRC Ireland)
Stephen Mc Guinness (PFA Ireland)
Ged Grebby & Paul Kearns (SRTRC UK)”
