James McClean suspended by Stoke for alleged Covid breach

McClean will miss Stoke's weekend trip to Blackburn, the club have confirmed

Stoke City have taken the decision to suspend James McClean following an alleged breach of the Covid-19 restrictions. The Republic of Ireland international is alleged to have been training in a private gym and will not be included in Stoke's squad for this weekend's Championship game with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Earlier this week, he posted a video on Instagram of what appeared to be himself training in a private gym alongside a boxing coach.

A club statement read: 'Stoke City can confirm that James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of COVID-19 regulations, namely training in a private gym. 'As a result of the suspension, McClean will not be available for selection for Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.' McClean, who has made in excess of 100 appearances for Stoke since his arrival from West Brom in 2018, tested positive for coronavirus in November when he was with his national side as they prepared for their Nations League game against Wales. With new cases soaring across the country, government regulations state that indoor gyms must remain closed until further notice as part of a plan to control the spread of the virus.