WEST Brom midfielder James McClean is facing action by the FA over controversial post-match celebrations in front of visiting Sunderland fans at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
He could receive a fine and potential suspension after the player’s antics sparked anger among fans of his former club - some of whom were singing anti-IRA songs - and Sunderland players after West Brom’s 1-0 win.
After signing for Wigan Athletic in 2013, the 26-year-old claimed he was “hung out to dry” by Sunderland following his refusal to wear a Remembrance Day poppy in 2012.
The Ireland international was jeered by visiting fans throughout the game and was confronted by Sunderland players Danny Graham and Lee Cattermole after the final whistle.
Whilst West Brom manager Tony Pulis did not see the incident he insisted he would study the evidence.
“I didn’t see what happened as I was already in the dressing room but I will look at it again and if I think James was out of order we will deal with it,” he said.
An FA spokesman confirmed that any action against McClean would depend on referee Martin Atkinson’s observations.
“It is all about the report,” the spokesman said. “Only if the referee reports anything to us would we be likely to take further action.”
Saido Berahino’s goal early in the second-half leaves Sunderland bottom in the Premier League table.
