James McClean fined by Stoke City and agrees to close Instagram account over balaclava image

Republic of Ireland midfielder disciplined by his club

James McClean posted this image on his Instagram account with the caption: "Today's lesson - history"

James McClean has been fined two weeks' wages by Stoke after he posted a picture of him home schooling his children in a balaclava.

The winger has also agreed to delete his Instagram account following the post which provoked online criticism.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international was pictured sitting above his two kids, his face covered by a balaclava, with the caption: 'Today's School lesson - History."

He used an emoji to underline the message was meant to be a joke but Stoke have taken a dim view.

McClean told the club's website: "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."

The player has been a target of abuse over his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt for Remembrance Sunday since moving to England to join Sunderland in 2011.

McClean, who is from Derry, objects to wearing the poppy because the symbol commemorates military personnel who have died in war - and not just soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.