JAMES McClean has been fined two weeks’ wages by Stoke after he posted a picture of him home schooling his children in a 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 have taken a dim view.

McClean said: “I never wanted to cause any offence but I now realise that I did so and for that I apologise unreservedly."