McCLEAN FACES FINE FOR RESPONSE TO IRA JIBES

The FA will today study video footage of James McClean’s melee-sparking celebration to assess whether the West Bromwich Albion winger should be punished. McClean is likely to face a fine for reacting to Sunderland supporters chanting ‘F*** the IRA’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ with a double-fist pump after the final whistle of West Brom’s 1-0 victory. McClean, who was born in Londonderry but opted to play for Republic of Ireland, became a hate figure among a number of Sunderland supporters in November 2012 when he refused to wear a poppy. Last November, when playing for Wigan, he wrote to then chairman Dave Whelan explaining why and claimed Sunderland ‘hung him out to dry’ for failing to allow him to speak out at the time. The 26-year-old also caused a significant stir this summer by declining to acknowledge the national anthem while on West Brom’s pre-season tour in the USA. Michael Gray, the former Sunderland player who was at the match working for talkSPORT, tweeted: ‘James McLean what a Pr#ck’ (sic). But McClean yesterday appeared to revel in his actions by posting a picture of his celebrations alongside a series of emojis including a smiley face. It is understood referee Martin Atkinson did not see McClean’s actions and will submit a match report based on his observations. Danny Graham may also face a charge after running over to shove McClean and shouting verbal abuse. Lee Cattermole also acted aggressively, while both clubs could be accused of failing to control their players. West Brom boss Tony Pulis will look at the video of his side’s victory, settled by Saido Berahino’s second-half goal, before deciding on any action.

SUPER STAT: This is the first time Allardyce has failed to win his first Premier League game as manager of a club (after Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham).

WEST BROM (4-2-3-1): Myhill 7; Dawson 6, McAuley 7, Evans 7, Brunt 7; Fletcher 7, Yacob 6; Sessegnon 6.5, Berahino 7.5 (Gardner 79min), McClean 6; Rondon 6 (Lambert 71, 5). Booked: Dawson, Yacob. Scorer: Berahino 54.

SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1): Pantilimon 4; Yedlin 6, O’Shea 6, Kaboul 6, Jones 6; M’Vila 6; Larsson 6 (Johnson 61, 5), Cattermole 6.5, Gomez 6 (Defoe 71, 5), Borini 6.5; Fletcher 6 (Graham 75, 5).

Booked: Larsson, Borini, Pantilimon.

Referee: Martin Atkinson 7. Man of the match:

Saido Berahino.