Wigan Athletic old boy deletes Instagram after 'offensive' post

The Republic of Ireland winger posted a picture of himself apparently homeschooling his children, while wearing a black paramilitary-style balaclava over his head.

And the Potters have come down hard on a player who has regularly found himself making headlines for his political stance over the years.

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

"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."

McClean, who played for Latics between 2013-15, and was named player of the year in his second season, said: “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.”