James McClean sent abusive packages at training over refusal to wear a poppy
The Irishman was abused by both home and away fans in Stoke's draw with Middlesbrough last weekend
JAMES McCLEAN has had abusive packages sent to him at Stoke's training ground for his refusal to wear a poppy, Gary Rowett has said.
The Irishman was subject to strong abuse from home and away fans during his side's draw against Middlesbrough last weekend - with objects thrown at him as he left the pitch.
The 29-year-old called some Stoke fans "uneducated cavemen" on social media following his abuse.
And Potters boss Rowett has said the abuse hasn't stopped.
Speaking to , Rowett said: "He's been sent stuff which I've seen. You can understand in a way why he reacts. He's only human."
"We spoke to James about it and I think his response was out of frustration, probably ill-judged.
"Certainly criticising a minority of our fans is not the way to go and we spoke to him about that."
The Stoke man is a native of Derry, Northern Ireland, site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday tragedy in which 14 civilians were killed in clashes with the British Army.
He believes the poppy commemorates all British military activity, including the Bloody Sunday killings in his hometown.
And his boss Rowett said he understands his player's reaction to the abuse.
He continued: "We can't condone that but I think when you understand the background to his beliefs and you see that his family have had death threats, you see that his wife and kids have had abuse constantly.
"We will try to move forward. The club have spoken to James about it. It's certainly not something that we want to condone."
The Professional Footballers Association has offered its support and assistance to McClean following the abuse.
It said in a statement: "There is no justification for the abuse he and his family have received for his beliefs and he should be supported in the same way as any other player who receives abuse based on his or her race.
"We call upon the other stakeholders in football to recognise this and support an individual's right to express his personal and religious beliefs without fear of threats and abuse."
