McClean accuses football of double standards
Stoke's James McClean has accused football of double standards of racist and sectarian abuse.
The 31 year old has described the racist abuse Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick have received over the last few days as horrendous.
And the Republic of Ireland international has highlighted what he has had to put up with in his nine years playing football in England.
The abuse McClean has received includes online messages, abuse while he is on the pitch, and threats sent to his address and by email.
He said on Facebook: “Driving back from training while listening to TalkSport discussing the vile racist comments this week made towards Zaha and McGoldrick on social media.
“Listening to their reaction of disgust at it, and rightly so... because it’s horrendous and nobody should be subjected to that. People need to be held responsible for their words and actions.
He says it "leaves a sour taste", that he hasn't been given the same support when targeted.
“What leaves a sour taste though, and not only this bit with everything else of late, I receive and have received more abuse than any other player during my nine years in England whether that be death threats, bullets sent in the post, birthday cards, letters etc!
On Facebook, he's also criticised his Republic of Ireland team-mates, stating they'd post a black square in support of anti-racism, but never speak up for him.
He added: “I’ve seen some of my fellow Irish team mates post a black square in support of anti-racism as well as posts condemning the discrimination ... have I ever seen any of them post a public condemnation of the discrimination I get... that would be a no.”
Stoke hasn't responded to the claims.