Ireland star McClean fined over balaclava post

Ireland international James McClean has been fined two weeks' wages by Stoke City and agreed to delete his Instagram account after posting what the Championship club termed "an inappropriate social media post".

The 30-year-old Northern Ireland-born midfielder posed in a black balaclava while teaching his children a "history" lesson.

Balaclavas are associated in Northern Ireland with the paramilitary Irish Republican Army (IRA).

"Stoke City can confirm that, following an internal disciplinary review, disciplinary action has been taken against James McClean for an inappropriate social media post," said a club statement on Friday.

"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."