Huddersfield Town are investigating discriminatory sectarian chants aimed towards Stoke City’s James McClean during the Terriers’ 5-2 Championship defeat.
A tannoy announcement was made in the second half of the game at the John Smith’s Stadium saying “racist chanting is affecting the game and will not be tolerated”.
Huddersfield are investigating discriminatory chants aimed towards Stoke winger James McClean during the Terriers' 5-2 Championship defeat.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 1, 2020
However, it is understood the abuse Huddersfield are investigating is of a sectarian nature.
Stoke City head of media and communications Fraser Nicholson said: “Just to provide some context for that, James McClean is being encouraged to report abuse that he receives that’s of a sectarian nature to the match official.
“He did it on Boxing Day when he was subjected to it by Sheffield Wednesday fans and obviously felt the need to do it again.”
The referee halted the game in the 64th minute to tell both managers about the abuse from those in the stands.
Stoke boss Michael O’Neill added: “People have to be held accountable for their behaviour when they come to a stadium.
“It’s not something we want to be consistently talking about – sectarianism or racism or whatever.
“We want to be talking about the game because there was seven goals here.”
Huddersfield manager Danny Cowley added: “There’s no place for discrimination of any type whatsoever.
“I’m sure the club will investigate this and make sure the people involved in it are duly punished.”
Stoke fans left in the ground after the final whistle cheered his name as he thanked them for their support…
SUPER JAMES MCCLEAN pic.twitter.com/33PM9zjn0j
— Rob in Tunstall #ScholesOut (@Rob_in_Tunstall) January 1, 2020
After reading that that match at Huddersfield Town was halted as Stoke City’s James McClean was subjected to abusive chanting, fans gave a mixed reaction on it – see what they wrote on the next page.
Andy Gemmell
1st January 2020 at 9:06 pm
His stance on remembrance day and the poppy is appalling, he hates everything British but is happy to earn his living here…..horrible excuse of a human being
AndyG FGAU
1st January 2020 at 9:10 pm
Kingcreed23…..you are what’s wrong with this whole thing….fuck your ra, murdering terrorist scum….that james mcclean supports their ideology he deserves everything that comes his way
John's Kennedy
1st January 2020 at 9:38 pm
Never liked James mcclean he is a bigoted man himself he has said worse stuff and the people he associates with are wrong uns.. I have videos that have him being bigoted and singing ira songs and ft queen and British soldiers
Bernard
2nd January 2020 at 9:46 am
Better not to have a go at anindividual player but the chanting was anti IRA not anti Irish.