Former West Brom winger James McClean slams FA after poppy decision

McClean - now at Stoke - described his critics as "uneducated cavemen" in an Instagram post after an confrontation with fans as he left the pitch following Saturday's goalless draw with Middlesbrough.

Responding to suggestions that the FA is to open an investigation into his conduct, he posted another message saying: "The FA are investigating me after Saturday's event - for what, exactly?

"Yet week in, week out for the past seven years, I get constant sectarian abuse, death threats, objects being thrown, chanting which is heard loud and clear every week which my family, wife and kids have to listen to, they turn a blind eye and not a single word or condemnation of any sort."

McClean continued: "Huddersfield away last year while playing for West Brom where there was an incident with their fans which was on the game highlights where the cameras clearly caught it, yet the FA when complaint was made to them said there 'was not enough evidence'.

"If it was a person's skin colour or if it was anti-Muslim, someone's gender, there would be an uproar and it would be taken in a completely different way and dealt with in a different manner.

"But like in Neil Lennon's case in Scotland, because we are Irish Catholics, they turn a blind eye and nothing is ever said and done."

McClean has previously explained to fans his refusal to wear the poppy.

The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland International was born in Derry, where in 1972 British Soldiers killed 14 civilian protestors on 'Bloody Sunday'.

Before Saturday's Championship clash Stoke released a statement explaining to fans that his stance had not changed.

Shorty after full time McClean took to Instagram to say: "Your abuse, your throwing things, your booing, do your worst," before thanking those fans who "are actually educated and support me".