QPR launch investigation into fan abuse of Stoke winger James McClean over poppies

The Stoke winger has long been targeted for his stance on wearing poppies

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they are investigating alleged abuse from their fans towards Stoke City winger James McClean during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.

The Republic of Ireland international is a regular target of abuse from opposition fans over his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt in matches played around Remembrance Day, a decision he has explained and stood by after his upbringing in Derry during The Troubles.

A video posted on Twitter over the weekend appeared to show at least one fan shouting 'where's your ****ing poppy' at McClean as well as a gaggle of non-related abuse.

A statement from the Loftus Road club read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club is aware of a video circulating on social media showing a section of individuals abusing James McClean during our Championship fixture with Stoke City on Saturday, March 9.

"The club wholly condemns such abuse and an internal investigation is now under way as we seek to identify those involved.

James McClean has previously needed to be separated from fans abusing him by stewards (Action Images)

"The club will be making no further comment at this time."

This weekend has seen a renewed focus on fan behaviour after a supporter attacked Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish during Sunday's derby match against Birmingham.

Grealish says he was "lucky" that the supporter who attacked him was not carrying a weapon after he was punched by Birmingham fan Paul Mitchell, 27, who on Monday pleaded guilty to assault and invading the pitch at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.

In a statement read into the court record by prosecutor Jonathan Purser, Grealish said: "I cannot help but feel how lucky I was in this incident.

"It could have been so much worse had the supporter had some sort of weapon."

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has called the attack on Grealish "disgraceful" and "cowardly" and believes the authorities must work with the government to help stamp out such incidents.

The incident involving Grealish was followed by a supporter pushing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling at Arsenal. On Friday, a supporter confronted Rangers player James Tavernier during their game against Hibernian at Easter Road.

After a spate of incidents, Taylor insists the authorities must "put a lid on the problem" quickly and he has called on the Football Association to work with the government, police and stewards at the grounds to help stamp out such behaviour.

"It was disgraceful, cowardly and criminal. We have seen an increase in such behaviour at clubs this season. It's been racist abuse, it's been anti-Semitism and now it's real fear for the safety of players," Taylor told Sky Sports News.

"From that point of view, we had a meeting just the other week with the Minister for Sport about engaging on this issue between the police and the stewards, which is crucial, and the responsibility of clubs about trying to get the right balance between educating supporters but also having sanctions to make sure we put a lid on it because we've been down this road before and we don't want to go there again and see the game threatened."

Minister for Sport Mims Davies called the incidents "a disgrace" and added: "It is right that they are investigated immediately and strong action is taken by the football authorities and clubs.

"Protecting players' safety is of paramount importance and every possible step must be taken to ensure that they are not put at risk."