Sunderland winger James McClean has received death threats on Twitter following his selection in the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012.
The 23-year-old was born in Londonderry and had represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level.
However, family links allowed him to switch allegiances and, after McClean used Twitter to announce his honour at the call-up, two users responded on the social networking site with sectarian abuse and threats.
An account under the name of 'RobbieLittle@PotKettleBlack3' posted: "F*** up your dirty fenian b****** il make sure you get shot when you set foot back into gods country #FTP."
Meanwhile, 'James W Magee@JamesWMagee07' posted: "U deserve to be shot for that comment!! Your playing for Ireland and not the country you were born in (NI). #p****"
Police are investigating the tweets.
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Robert Summerscales
