James McClean: Police investigate reports of 'threats' against footballer

Image caption, Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of threats made against James McClean

Northumbria Police are investigating reports that threats were made on social networking sites against Sunderland footballer James McClean.

The 23-year-old is originally from Londonderry in Northern Ireland.

He was the only Sunderland player who did not wear a special Remembrance Day jersey, with an embroidered poppy, during an Everton match last weekend.

In a statement at the time, his club said: "It was James' personal choice not to wear a shirt on this occasion."

Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC) pointed out that as an organisation, it "wholeheartedly supports the Remembrance commemorations".

Earlier this year, the footballer was subjected to sectarian abuse on his Twitter account amid controversy over his international career.

He had represented Northern Ireland at under 21-level but recently switched to the Republic of Ireland after receiving clearance from FIFA.

The abuse coincided with his international call-up for the Euro 2012 finals in May.