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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Oisin Doherty

James McClean alleges sectarian abuse from fans as FA launch investigation

James McClean has taken to Instagram to allege that he was subjected to sectarian abuse during Wigan Athletic's 1-0 defeat to Blackpool on Saturday.

McClean claims he was told to "F*** you Irish fenian C***" during the game.

The Republic of Ireland star also slammed the FA for being "Useless," and doubted whether any action would be taken against those involved.

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It has since been confirmed that the FA, Blackpool FC and Lancashire Police are all investigating the issue.

“The incident during the match between Blackpool and Wigan Athletic is being investigated by the club and the relevant authorities, who have jurisdiction over individual spectators," an FA spokesperson said.

“We are also investigating the matter to ensure that the appropriate action is taken and we will review the details in the match official’s report."

Saturday's game was briefly halted while McClean reported the incident to the referee.

It had been speculated that the presence of a Northern Ireland flag in the crowd is what angered McClean, a claim the 33-year-old has flatly denied.

Here's McClean's full Instagram statement on the matter:

“On the incident today (aye another one) do not get it twisted, I was not offended by a flag honestly you can stick the flag up your hole for all I care,” McClean said.

"Section right in front of stewards and police (who responded with the words ‘nothing to do with us’) literally shouting loud and clear ‘f*** off you Irish fenian c***’ multiply times while holding their poxy flag.

“Everyone’s a big hard man behind a two foot advertising hoarding with the invisible wall in front of them holding them back.

“Referee will make a report to the FA, the same process that happened at Luton away in the FA Cup game either this season with evidence clear as day, as on many occasions over the years, yet the nothing again will happen.

“This is simply just highlighting the double standards firstly the FA have and secondly how utter useless that the English FA are.”

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