Brek Shea's loan from Stoke to Barnsley has ended early following an incident between the American midfielder and a fan.
Shea made a gesture with a hand after a 5-0 loss at Huddersfield on March 1, according to The Sentinel newspaper in Stoke. The incident occurred while the 24-year-old Texan was restraining teammate Stephen Dawson as Dawson tried to reach a Stoke supporter.
Barnsley said in a statement on its website Monday that Shea had been returned to Stoke, his Premier League parent club. Hoping to see playing time and earn a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster, Shea made eight appearances for Barnsley of the second-tier League Championship since the loan began Jan. 1.
He had been due to remain with the club until April 3.
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