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Huddersfield investigating sectarian abuse of James McClean

Huddersfield Town are investigating sectarian abuse aimed at Irish international James McClean du...



Huddersfield investigating sec...
Soccer

Huddersfield investigating sectarian abuse of James McClean

Huddersfield Town are investigating sectarian abuse aimed at Irish international James McClean during Huddersfield's 5-2 loss to Stoke City.

Stoke winger McClean had reported the abuse to referee James Linington after he was the target of chants when he went to take a corner. The referee then went over to speak to both Huddersfield Town manager Danny Cowley and Stoke boss Michael O'Neill.

During the second half, a stadium announcement was made at the John Smith's Stadium which called for an end to "offensive behaviour" that was interfering with the game.

"Offensive behaviour is affecting the game and will not be tolerated," the crowd was warned.

Speaking after the match Cowley said he expects his club to punish any fans who are found guilty of sectarian abuse against James McClean.

“There is no place for discrimination in 2020," Cowley said.

"I know the club will think exactly the same and we will investigate the situation and make sure the people involved in it are duly punished - and so they should be - because any type of discrimination to me is unacceptable."

McClean has regularly been the subject of abuse in England as a result of his high-profile stand to not wear a poppy during remembrance month.

In November, the Football Association launched an investigation into the sectarian abuse suffered by James McClean, after abuse could be heard at a number of games throughout the month.

In the actual football, Stoke had led 1-0 at half-time against Huddersfield thanks to a goal from Sam Vokes but were 2-1 down five minutes later before fighting back to win 5-2.

Stoke City are now a point above the Championship's relegation places and four behind Huddersfield, the next closest team.

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Huddersfield Town James Mcclean Stoke City