James McClean has provoked anger online after posting a picture on social media of him wearing a balaclava while pretending to home school his children.
The Republic of Ireland international posted an Instagram story with a photo of the winger sitting in front of his children with the caption 'today's school lesson - history'.
What seemed to be an attempt at humour didn't prevent McClean from subsequently deleting the post and then locking his instagram account following criticism.
Derry man McClean has been subject to repeated abuse over his stance on poppy commemoration and Barnsley were charged and fined by the FA after the 30-year-old endured sectarian chants while playing for Stoke against the Terriers in the Championship.
He also received a message of support from the FA and Players Football Association following a similar incident in Stoke's match against Huddersfield last December.
“Maybe the tide is turning,” the former Derry City player said of receiving a message from a member of the FA. “I appreciate the text; it said that if there were any issues, I should report it. It was the first time that such support was shown. It’s a long time coming and it’s something I appreciate. I was shocked because it was a random number. But as much as I was shocked, I appreciate it as well.”
