Rotherham United’s Kirk Broadfoot handed 10-match verbal abuse ban

An FA tribunal decided to hammer Broadfoot after the incident at the New York Stadium on March 14.

Wigan scored from the resulting free-kick, and after that game Broadfoot told the Sheffield Star: “He’s cheating”.

Rotherham have apparently refused to comment on the issue due to a confidentiality agreement that stops anyone involved discussing the nature of the case, and how it could potentially affect the safety of both men.

The Football Association has banned the 30-year-old for 10 matches, a suspension of its kind thought to be the longest in British football history – surpassing that of Luis Suarez who missed eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra in 2011.

“It was further alleged that the breach was an “aggravated breach” as defined by Rule E3(2)”.

Broadfoot has also been fined £7,500, and the defender will be made complete an education programme as part of the charge.

Broadfoot comes from a staunch protestant backround and during his time at Rangers he was sent off for a professional foul on McClean’s Ireland team-mate Aiden McGeady.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis subsequently warned McClean about his actions and there has been plenty of debate, for and against McClean, since.

Republic of Ireland global McClean has been in the headlines this week after snubbing the English national anthem during a pre-season tour with West Brom.