‘I APOLOGISE TO THE MAJORITY OF STOKE FANS’

JAMES Mcclean has issued a message to Stoke City supporters in a bid to build bridges following a week in the headlines. The club has concluded an internal disciplinary review following Mcclean’s response to the reaction he received during last weekend’s goalless draw with Middlesbrough. Mcclean believes it would be inappropriate to apologise to a section of fans who ‘threatened and abused him’ for the way he then reacted on social media – but he has apologised ‘wholeheartedly to the vast majority’ if he caused offence. Stoke have been keen to keep their disciplinary procedure behind closed doors but, with Mcclean available for selection at Forest, the player has gone public with a statement via the club website. He said: “At last Saturday’s game a section of our fans threatened and abused me because of my religious beliefs and upbringing. “I am certain that no fair-minded person would regard that as acceptable, but I recognise that as a professional footballer, and therefore a role model, I’m expected to tolerate it. “Whilst I do not believe it is appropriate for me to apologise to those fans who abused me, I do want to whole-heartedly apologise to the vast majority of Stoke City fans who although they may have different views to myself are decent and respectful. “I sincerely apologise for any offence that I caused them with my comments and posting on Instagram.”