Glentoran FC have launched an investigation after footage emerged appearing to show their defender Patrick McClean attending a New IRA Easter parade in Derry.
The 28-year-old, brother of Wrexham and Republic of Ireland winger James McClean, was reportedly spotted in social media videos walking in a black hoody at the controversial event on Easter Monday.
The Northern Irish club confirmed they are reviewing the matter internally after the footage began circulating online this week.
Around 200 people attended the annual march, which commemorates the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Ireland.
James McClean's brother, Patrick, is under investigation after allegedly attending IRA march
The parade saw many participants wearing paramilitary-style attire with faces covered as they marched from the Creggan area to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.
The event later descended into violence with police reporting that petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown at officers.
Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested following the disorder, which police described as "orchestrated".
In a statement, Glentoran said: "Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online.
"The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.
"The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time."
The east Belfast club faces an NIFL Premiership play-off against Larne this weekend, with McClean's participation now uncertain amid the ongoing investigation.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, area commander of Derry City and Strabane, condemned the parade as "utterly shameful".
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Patrick McClean plays for Northern Irish team Glentoran
"Despite the claim by organisers of [the] Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite," she said.
"Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover.
"This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful."
The disorder resulted in Bishop Street being closed temporarily for public safety reasons.
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VIDEO | Belfast club Glentoran have launched an investigation into their defender Patrick McClean, who was filmed taking part in a New IRA parade in his home city of Derry. pic.twitter.com/XcAPLfIFNG
— Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) April 24, 2025
There is no suggestion that Patrick McClean was involved in any disorder or was engaged by police during the event.
McClean, who is from Derry, joined Glentoran in 2019 after playing for his hometown club as well as Waterford and Sligo Rovers.
He briefly quit football in early 2023 before rejoining the east Belfast club later that year.
His brother James was previously fined two weeks' wages by Stoke City in 2020 for posting a social media image showing him wearing a balaclava while giving what he termed a "history lesson" to his children.
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