Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect by Stoke City after an alleged breach of the UK's Covid-19 protocol.
According to reports in the Stoke Sentinel, the 31-year-old McClean posted a video of himself boxing with a trainer in a private gym on Instagram, which would be a breach of Covid-19 regulations.
It is understood that Stoke City intend to hold a disciplinary hearing but have ruled the Derry native out of this weekend's Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers.
The club's brief statement on the matter read: "Stoke City can confirm that James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations, namely training in a private gym."
McClean is no stranger to online controversy.
In March 2020, he apologised and vowed to delete his Instagram account after posting an image of himself in a balaclava while speaking to his children.
Yet, the Irish winger has repeatedly had to deal with abuse online - largely of a sectarian nature.
Stoke City currently sit 8th in the Championship table and with a win against Blackburn Rovers this weekend could move into the playoff places.
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