Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hit out at the "absolutely scandalous" abuse suffered by Republic of Ireland international James McClean.
Stoke winger McClean and his wife Erin revealed last weekend that their family have been subjected to multiple death threats, with the 31-year-old also a frequent target of sectarian abuse due to his stance on not wearing a poppy on his shirt.
The FAI and Stoke have both spoken in support of the player, with the Potters currently working alongside the police in the UK to try and bring the culprits to justice.
Lennon also suffered threats to his life during his career and he's called for strong punishments for those found guilty of abusing people online.
"The kid has to go out and play professional football - put yourself in his shoes, people threatening to burn his or making threats to his family on a daily basis. You would be looking over your shoulder every five minutes.
"I have been through it myself and it is a lonely place. It is okay people putting out statements saying you will support him, but do it, show it - associations, show it. It's not just James, it's all these kids who are getting racially abused in England as well, like the young lad Dhanda at Swansea. It is just absolutely scandalous."
A message of support from Neil Lennon to @FAIreland’s James McClean 🍀
🟢⚪️ #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/Xru0dpRgsn
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 16, 2021
"I saw on Sky today the pressure that football is putting on these social media platforms. It should have been done a long time ago," the Celtic boss added.
"These platforms don't show any accountability or look after the people on the end of this constant abuse, whether racial, sectarian, personal.
"It's a poison in modern-day society and it's disgusting. I'm fed up talking about it because nothing gets done. It is about time these people are named, shamed, and dealt with by the police and/or courts.
"It's almost as if it's alright to do it now. Maybe you've had a few drinks, you don't mean it…but it's out there and you show no regard for the recipient, and I'm seeing a lot of it in English football now and it has to come to a head.
"How would you do your job if people threatening you and your family? It would be so difficult for you. People will say he (James) is well paid but he is not well paid to take abuse from all and sundry about his background or his religion.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
