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 and former Sunderland winger 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 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."
McClean 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 the Black Cats 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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel