An investigation is set to be launched after Stoke City's clash with Huddersfield was halted due to sectarian abuse aimed at Ireland international James McClean.
McClean, who has been vocal about sectarian abuse he has received in English football in the past, applauded when an announcement was made in the second-half at the John Smith's Stadium in Huddersfield earlier today.
Fans were warned that "offensive behaviour is affecting the game and will not be tolerated" shortly after the referee James Linington had briefly stopped play.
There had been chants about the IRA moments before the incident and Linington had spoken to both Stoke manager Michael O'Neill and Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley on the sidelines.
Stoke City head of media and communications, Fraser Nicholson after the game 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."
Huddersfield are to launch an investigation and Stoke boss O’Neill condemned the actions of those involved.
"He's 100% right to do so," he said when asked whether McClean would report the abuse.
"There's no place for this in football stadiums, obviously there's no place for sectarianism or racism, abuse of players or supporters or anyone for that matter."
The FA had previously launched an investigation into similar chants when Stoke beat Barnsley in November, O'Neill's first match in charge.
McClean has been in stellar form in that time as O'Neill tries to wrestle the club away from the Championship relegation zone.
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