Ex-Sunderland player James McClean fined after posting photo homeschooling children in balaclava

The winger has also agreed to delete his Instagram account following the post, which provoked online criticism.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international was pictured sitting above his two kids, his face covered by a balaclava, with the caption: “Today's School lesson - History."

He used an emoji to underline the message was meant to be a joke but Stoke has taken a dim view.

McClean, who has also played for Wigan and West Brom, told the club's website: "I never wanted to cause any offence but I now realise that I did so and for that, I apologise unreservedly.

“I have spoken to the club and will be deleting my Instagram account."

A statement from the club adds: “Stoke City can confirm that, following an internal disciplinary review, disciplinary action has been taken against James McClean for an inappropriate social media post.

“McClean has been fined two weeks’ wages by the club and has also agreed to delete his Instagram account.

“The player has expressed contrition and recognises that the post was ill-advised and offensive.”

It also said: “The club and the player will be making no further comment on the matter.”

The player has been a target of abuse over his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt for Remembrance Sunday since moving to England to join Sunderland in 2011.

McClean, who is from Derry, objects to wearing the poppy because the symbol commemorates military personnel who have died in war - and not just soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

In January this year Barnsley were charged by the Football Association in connection with allegations of sectarian abuse aimed McClean.

When previously asked if he was tired of playing in England as a result of hostility, he said he had “developed a kind of thick skin” and said it was “water off a duck's back.”