FIFA start disciplinary proceedings against James McClean
FIFA have begun disciplinary proceedings against Albion winger James McClean and his Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.
The charges relate to comments made by McClean and O’Neill after Ireland’s recent 1-1 draw with Austria in World Cup qualifying.
Both men criticised referee David Fenandez Borbalan after he decided to rule out Shane Duffy’s late winner.
A FIFA spokesperson told the Express & Star: "We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened.
"Be informed that two cases were opened: one against James McClean and another one against the coach Martin O’Neill.
"Please understand that we can’t make any further comments since the matter is ongoing."
McClean now faces a fine, and could even miss the two qualifying games against Georgia and Serbia in September.
After the Austria game, he said: “Look, I know in this day and age, the slightest wee thing you say about a referee, you get fined and that. But you watched the game, you tell me.
“They had a 12th man today. That’s all I’ll say on that. I’m really disappointed. We should have came away from that game with three points but we didn’t.”
Victory would have take Ireland top of Group D, but the draw leaves them level with Serbia on 12 points.
O'Neill described the referee's performance as 'very poor' and when he was asked about the decision, he said: “I personally think it typified the referee’s performance."
The pair have until Friday to respond.
