Ireland star James McClean has been fined two weeks' wages by Stoke City after what the club described as an 'ill-advised and offensive' Instagram post.
McClean received a backlash online after a 'history lesson' Instagram snap in which he wore a balaclava.
The Stoke City and Ireland winger was pictured speaking to two of his children while wearing the mask.
The Instagram post was captioned: 'Today's school lesson - history.'
The Derry native, 30, has deleted his Instagram account and apologised for 'any offence' caused by the controversial snap.
A statement from Stoke City read: “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.”
McClean added: “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.”
McClean has been subjected to sectarian abuse on numerous occasions this season while in action for Stoke City.
The English PFA backed the Ireland star after what was described as 'sectarian chanting' against him in a clash with Huddersfield Town in January.
Barnsley were fined £20,000 by the English FA after some fans directed abuse at McClean during a Championship fixture against Stoke.
McClean also received a sickening letter celebrating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a photo of which he shared on Instagram earlier this season.
