James McClean closes Twitter account following tweet about IRA song

Sunderland winger has caused controversy before on social networking site

James McClean chose not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt last weekend against Everton (Getty Images)

Sunderland midfielder James McClean has closed down his Twitter account after finding himself embroiled in further controversy.

Press Association Sport understands the Derry-born player made the move after sparking an angry response when he tweeted about a Wolfe Tones song, the Broad Black Brimmer, at the weekend.

The song tells the story of a boy whose father is killed fighting for the IRA.

McClean's post attracted criticism from Gregory Campbell, DUP MP for East Londonderry, who advised the 23-year-old to "stick to football".

McClean has previously been abused on the social networking site after opting to play for the Republic of Ireland rather than Northern Ireland, and for his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt.

He also landed himself in hot water with international manager Giovanni Trapattoni after expressing his disgust at being left out of the team for the Republic's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan in September, and later issued an apology to the 73-year-old Italian.

Club boss Martin O'Neill has also been less than happy with the player's use of Twitter and will hope his latest withdrawal from the site is permanent.

PA