James McClean has hit out at the FA after news of an investigation into his Instagram post at the weekend, claiming he is being discriminated against because he is an Irish catholic.

McClean was verbally attacked by both sets of fans on Saturday and stewards had to escort him to the tunnel as visiting supporters were held back and objects were thrown at him.

The Republic of Ireland international does not wear a poppy on his Stoke City jersey, seemingly enraging the individuals in question.

On Instagram, he quoted Bobby Sands before saying: "Your abuse, your throwing things, your booing, do your worst. To the home fans that are actually educated and support me, thank you."

He added "uneducated cavemen singing anti-Irish songs" will not change him and used a profanity in referring to the fans.

After hearing of the investigation, McClean reacted strongly this afternoon.

He said the FA are treating him differently and ignore the abuse he receives at grounds in England.

He said on Instagram: "The FA are investigating me after Saturday's game, for what exactly?

"Yet week in week out for the past seven years I get constant sectarian abuse, death threats, objects being thrown, chanting which is heard loud and clear every week which my family, wife and kids have to listen to.

"They turn a blind eye and not a single word or condemnation of any sort.

"Huddesfield away last year while playing for West Brom where there was an incident with their fans which was on the game highlights, where the cameras clearly caught it, yet the FA when [a] complaint was made to them said there 'was not enough evidence'.

"If it was a person's skin colour or if it was anti-Muslim, someone's gender, there would be an uproar and it would be taken in a completely different way and dealt with in a different manner.

"But like in Neil Lennon's case in Scotland, because we are Irish catholics, they turn a blind eye and nothing is ever said and done."

McClean was not the only player not to wear a poppy on his shirt at the weekend with Manchester United's Serbia international Nemanja Matic also opting against doing so.

Matic said on Instagram: "I recognise fully why people wear poppies, I totally respect everyone's right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict.

"However, for me it is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Vrelo as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999.

"Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt.

"I do not want to undermine the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or offend anyone. However, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal choice for the reasons outlined.

"I hope everyone understands my reasons now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead."