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
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
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
‘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 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'
- Mourinho refuses to speak to media after loss to West Ham
- 'It's been a tough week' Jose stonefaced at press conference
- Klopp: At the end no goal, 98% ok, not perfect, 2% missed
- 81-year-old stuns guitar shop staff with his playing
- Bully takes a beating as 'victim' unveils his boxing skills
- WARNING GRAPHIC: 'Drunk' driver plows into OSU parade
- Simon Cowell's adorable son Eric gate crashes his interview
- Woman crashed into crowd as OSU homecoming parade was ending
- 'Drunk' driver kills 3 at Oklahoma State Homecoming Parade
- Shocking footage shows women being tortured for 'witchcraft'
- Owner terrifies cat by placing CUCUMBER on the floor
- Can you work out what this bizarre object is in the sky?
- Jose Mourinho is on the brink: Chelsea manager and his club...
- West Ham 2-1 Chelsea and Aston Villa 1-2 Swansea RESULTS:...
- West Ham 2-1 Chelsea: Andy Carroll scores winner as Jose...
- South Africa 18-20 New Zealand Rugby World Cup RESULT: All...
- Arsenal 2-1 Everton: Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny...
- Robert Lewandowski reported to police for drinking champagne...
- Mario Balotelli could be sued after being accused of...
- Jose Mourinho's soap opera season hits new low as Chelsea...
- Lionel Messi refuses to rule out eventual move to the...
- Arsenal 2-1 Everton Barclays Premier League RESULT: Olivier...
- United vs City is the £545m game: Player price tags prove...
- Chelsea 'devastated' by West Ham defeat, admits Gary Cahill...