Stoke City have offered their "continued support" to Republic of Ireland winger James McClean over abuse he's suffered in recent games from opposition supporters.
The Potters have hit out at "discriminatory chants" aimed toward McClean, describing them as "hate crimes".
"At recent fixtures opposition fans have sadly targeted James McClean with vile anti-social chanting leading to the FA issuing charges against one club", Stoke said in statement released this afternoon.
"Stoke City wish to reiterate their continued support for James. We believe the chanting to be discriminatory and, like any other hate crime, there is no place for it in society and the perpetrators should be held accountable.
"As a club we have always supported James and will continue to do so."
McClean says he "appreciates the backing the club have given" since he joined them in 2018 and added that "it’s reassuring to know that support remains.”
Barnsley were charged by the English FA last week about abuse aimed at the 30-year-old by their fans in November and another incident at Huddersfield on New Year's Day is also being investigated.
Anti-Discrimination group Kick It Out says they support Stoke's stance and have appealed for fans to report any incidents of abuse at games:
"The continued discriminatory abuse targeted at James McClean is absolutely unacceptable and if you see it or hear it, report it to us or Stoke City."
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