By RYAN TOLMICH
U.S. Men’s National Team winger Brek Shea had his loan stint with English League Championship side Barnsley cut short after a post-match incident involving fans. Shea will return to Premier League club Stoke City, despite the fact his loan stint had been extended to April 3 back in January.
The club released a brief statement stating that the 24-year-old midfielder would return to Stoke, just days after being left off the squad for Saturday’s match with Nottingham Forrest.
“Winger Brek Shea has returned to parent club Stoke City,” said the club on its official website. “The 24-year-old made eight appearances for the Reds after arriving on loan on New Year’s Day from the Premier League club.”
Shea’s departure comes on the heels of an incident involving fans of Championship opponent Huddersfield Town, who defeated Shea’s Barnsley 5-0 March 1.
Late in the game, Shea reportedly gave the middle finger to Barnsley supporters after teammate Steven Dawson got into an altercation with a group of fans. Shea took to twitter to apologize for the incident six days later.
“I would like to unreservedly apologize for what happened at the end of the Huddersfield match last week,” said Shea via his twitter account. “Although my actions were aimed at one person who was abusing a teammate I realize I should not have reacted in that way in the heat of the moment. I regret those actions and the offense it has caused. I did not intend to offend the Barnsley fans who have shown tremendous support for the team. The best way I can show this and repay you, the fans, is with my performances on the pitch.”
Shea started five games during his time at Barnsley, but did not record a goal or an assist. Shea will now head back to Stoke, which currently find themselves mid-table, but just six points above the relegation zone.