Barnsley have been hit with a Football Association charge after Stoke midfielder James McClean was allegedly the target of sectarian chants in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday. The club has until 10 January to respond.

Derry-born McClean has repeatedly been singled out in recent seasons for his decision not to wear a poppy on his shirt in the game closest to Remembrance Sunday in respect for those who died in the city on Bloody Sunday in 1972.

An FA statement read: “Barnsley FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20. It is alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or religion and/or beliefs, while attending an EFL Championship fixture against Stoke City FC on Saturday 9 November 2019.”

The FA is also investigating allegations of discriminatory chanting aimed at the Republic of Ireland international during his club’s 5-2 Championship win at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day, when a tannoy announcement was made to spectators.