REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international James McClean has been suspended by Stoke City for an alleged breach of coronavirus public health regulations.
The Derry-born winger was accused of rule-breaking after posting a video to his Instagram account, which showed him boxing with a trainer in a gym.
Current lockdown rules in England prohibit trips to private gyms as they aren't regarded as providing an essential service.
A statement on the official Stoke City website 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.
"As a result of the suspension, McClean will not be available for selection for Saturday's game against Blackburn Rovers."
McClean has featured for his country 73 times, scoring 10 goals.
Since leaving Derry City in 2011, McClean has enjoyed a fruitful career in England, featuring for the likes of Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion, before securing a move to Stoke in 2018.
He's frequently been subject to Sectarian abuse from English supporters, particularly following his decision not to wear the remembrance poppy on his shirt.
The video McClean posted of himself training in the gym isn't the first time he's got into trouble on Instagram. Last year he forced to apologise after posting a photo of himself wearing a balaclava while homeschooling his children, with the caption: "Today's lesson: History," in an apparent nod to the IRA.
In November 2020, the Football Association of Ireland announced that McClean had tested positive for Covid-19 after playing a full game against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.
