McClean digs spoil a thriller

HUDDERSFIELD 2 STOKE 5

MICHAEL O’NEILL backed James McClean after the Stoke winger was subjected to sectarian abuse.

Huddersfield have promised to investigate the situation fully – insisting they will punish any fan guilty of targeting the Republic of Ireland winger.

Fans were warned over the stadium tannoy after McClean brought anti-IRA chants to the attention of referee James Linington, who briefly halted the game midway through the second half.

It’s the third time inside two months Northern Ireland-born McClean has been singled out for abuse.

Stoke boss O’Neill said: “James has been encouraged to report abuse he receives of a sectarian nature to the match official.

“He did it on Boxing Day when he was subjected to it by

Sheffield Wednesday fans and felt the need to do it again today.”

The shocking abuse overshadowed a stunning Stoke comeback sparked by two goals from 20-year-old striker Tyrese Campbell.

O’Neill’s side took a 15th-minute lead through Sam Vokes but Huddersfield fought back with two goals in as many minutes at the start of the second half.

Steve Mounie headed home Karlan Grant’s 48th-minute corner before an own goal from skipper Danny Batth.

Campbell then crossed for Powell to slot home a 57th-minute leveller, before lobbing his side ahead from 25 yards.

Vokes out-muscled Jon Gorenc Stankovic to flick on for Campbell to make it four 20 minutes before the end before McClean teed up sub Lee Gregory for the fifth.