Championship side Barnsley have been charged by the FA due to sectarian abuse suffered by Stoke City winger James McClean.
The FA say Barnsley failed to stop supporters from abusing the Republic of Ireland international during their November 9 meeting at Oakwell.
This week, Huddersfield Town said they'll investigate similar abuse aimed at McClean during their New Year's Day game at the John Smith's.
The FA's ruling against Barnsley states they failed to stop their fans from using "abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or religion and/or beliefs".
Barnsley have until Friday January 10 to respond to the charge.
A statement from the Yorkshire club say they have been investigating the incident since it was brought to light:
Barnsley Football Club has a zero tolerance policy on any form of discrimination. As a club, we are saddened to have had this charge brought against us. Since the incident was first reported, as a club, we have been thoroughly investigating and we will continue to do so.
Anybody found to be involved in any form of abusive behaviour when representing Barnsley Football Club will be banned from attending matches.
We will await and respect the outcome of the FA’s charge against us before communicating further on this matter.
The recurring abuse of McClean prompted the Players Football Association into backing the 30-year old.
[1/3] Barnsley FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.
It is alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from... pic.twitter.com/Xm3QAr2ILk— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 3, 2020
A PFA statement noted the halting of the Huddersfield-Stoke game, adding "James has been subjected to this type of vile abuse throughout his career, and he will be fully supported in the same way as any other individual who receives abuse based on their race, religion or nationality."
The PFA also said they will be going further in their attempts to stamp sectarian abuse out of football.
"The PFA will ask officials and the league governing body what can be done to stamp out such incidents.
"As with other forms of discrimination, it has become clear that this type of abuse is on the rise and is becoming a weekly occurrence for James.
"We will be talking with PGMO and the EFL to ensure that match officials are vigilant to this type of chanting and hope to see future action taken proactively on James' behalf."There is no justification for this or any other type of abuse and the PFA stands fully beside every player who faces discrimination."
