"Stan Walker's post had homophobic undertones, and I didn't like it. Not just because I'm gay myself, but because it's 2015 and I thought we were past that," McLean wrote.
"Even though I'm proudly gay now as a 28-year-old, when I was 13, it was used by bullies as a slur. A put-down. It was them saying 'you're gay, and being gay is bad'.
"And essentially, that's what Stan was saying in his post. He was saying he didn't like New South Wales, didn't want them to win, didn't support them. And because of that, they're gay."
The sentiment was wrong, he said, "especially by someone in such a powerful position".
"I think Stan is amazing - but in 2015, I'd like to think we can stop using 'gay' as a negative word," the One News reporter told The Diary in a statement.
Walker didn't initially see what all the fuss was about. He defended himself in the comments section of his Instagram post against those accusing him of homophobia.
"People getting up an arms about something that was harmless ... I get called gay, fag, ni#%# everyday ... Its nothing unless i let it be [sic]," he wrote.
He may not take offence by the name-calling lumped upon him, but he sure caused offence this week by circulating the name-calling meme.
The pop star has since deleted the post and apologised on Twitter.
"At the end of the day No offence was intended. Please don't take offence. I apologise."
"Again I'm sorry 4 any offence from the other post ... Peace & love."
Walker will not want the episode to tarnish his role as an ambassador for the U-20 World Cup, which will be broadcast to more than 100 countries and a television audience of more than 170 million people.
His performance today will catapult him on to a global stage, and he knows it.
"It's so awesome 2 be the ambassador ... Not only that, but I get to perform at the opening ceremony to the WORLD too," Walker wrote on Instagram.
He is well-deserving of the opportunity, which will undoubtedly provide thousands more fans to the 129,000 who already follow him on Instagram. After this week, Walker will no doubt be more responsible about what he posts.
All Black shares new baby delight with followers
Jerome Kaino will be a father again, and the rugby star is delighted.
He shared the news with his 48,000 Instagram followers by posting a sonogram picture of his unborn child.
"So this is happening, welcoming to the world in early December our new Kaino addition," the All Black wrote.
"Pretty cool seeing the lil boy/girl."
Kaino and wife Diana Breslin have two children; a son called Kobe and a daughter, Milan.
