Wife reveals gun threat to Stoke City talisman speaking ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash

Speaking ahead the the Potters’ clash with Sheffield Wednesday this evening, the partner of Republic of Ireland international James McClean last night posted a statement on Twitter detailing a number of incidents including a gun threat made to him.

“There isn't a day that goes by that either one of us don't receive a message of some sort, whether it be a threat or else telling us to get the f*** out of England,” Erin McClean said via her Twitter account.

“We've been spat on, shouted at, nights out have been ruined by people making remarks towards him.

“I even remember once someone threatened him saying there were taking a gun with them to a certain match and I can still remember watching that match in absolute fear on the TV.”

Erin criticised the way his husband’s achievements are covered in the media, claiming every story comes with mention of his decision not to wear a poppy during matches played on remembrance weekend, a decision made nearly 10 years ago.

The abuse and threats, she says, whether online or in person, have become part of the family's daily routine.

McClean, 31, and his wife are being increasingly concerned for the well-being of their three young children, who are “now at an age where they know and understand what is being said.”

"We have tried as hard as possible to keep them away from it all but there has been times we are out shopping and there is people making remarks towards James in front of the kids," she wrote.

“We can take the name-calling and the rest but what we cannot accept is threatening our family home and our children's lives. They don't deserve this.

“Why after nine years of constant abuse should we be OK and have to accept receiving these threats constantly?”

The statement was made amid national debate over the use of social media after a raft of players revealed the scale of abuse directed to them in recent months.

McClean is set to play in tonight’s match-up with the Owls at the Bet365 Stadium having played 26 times this season.

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