Tony Pulis says James McClean is 'not the sharpest tool in the box' after West Brom star celebrates win in front of away fans

  • Baggies' James McClean celebrated with fist pumps at Sunderland fans 
  • Away supporters had been singing about his Irish heritage during game
  • The midfielder's celebration sparked a melee on the final whistle
  • Tony Pulis says 'he's a smashing lad' but 'not the sharpest tool in the box' 
  • West Brom recorded their first home win of the season

By Laurie Whitwell for MailOnline

Published: 13:15 EST, 17 October 2015 | Updated: 19:36 EST, 17 October 2015

James McClean has been described by Tony Pulis as ‘not the sharpest tool in the box’ following his celebrations at the end of West Brom’s win over former club Sunderland that sparked a mass melee.

McClean was shoved in the chest by Danny Graham, prompting a number of players to run into action, after the Republic of Ireland international gave a double fist pump in front of the away section following the final whistle.

‘I heard a roar but I didn’t see what James did,’ said Pulis. ‘I’ll have to look at it. If he’s out of order then I’ll speak to him.

Lee Cattermole (left) made his feelings known to James McClean after his celebrations at the end of the game

Lee Cattermole (left) made his feelings known to James McClean after his celebrations at the end of the game

Irishman McClean celebrates in front of the travelling Sunderland fans after West Brom's win on Saturday 

Irishman McClean celebrates in front of the travelling Sunderland fans after West Brom's win on Saturday 

McClean had been the target of several songs from the visiting supporters, and responded at the final whistle

McClean had been the target of several songs from the visiting supporters, and responded at the final whistle

‘He isn’t the sharpest tool in the box, that’s not being disrespectful to him. But he’s a smashing lad.

‘He played really well today, he’s settled in really well. The lads have really taken to him. He is a really nice lad.’

Sam Allardyce said: ‘He must have felt like they were giving him a bit of stick so because they’ve beaten us he felt like he’d give a little bit back.

‘It’s not my responsibility to say what happens, there are rules and regulations for that.’

The reaction sparked a melee, with McClean having to be pulled away from Sunderland players

The reaction sparked a melee, with McClean having to be pulled away from Sunderland players

The 26-year-old, born in Londonderry, became a hate figure among a number of Sunderland supporters for his refusal to wear a poppy in November 2012 for political beliefs.

Last November he wrote an open letter to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan explaining his reasons and claiming Sunderland ‘hung him out to dry’ for failing to allow him to speak out at the time.

Sunderland fans have not forgotten, and chanted ‘F*** the IRA’ and sung ‘God Save the Queen’ with McClean in mind during the match at the Hawthorns, settled by Saido Berahino’s second-half goal.

McClean 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’. 

Manager Tony Pulis claimed he hadn't seen the incident, but described his player as 'not the sharpest tool'

Manager Tony Pulis claimed he hadn't seen the incident, but described his player as 'not the sharpest tool'

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