James McClean has admitted to punching a football fan in a car park before a recent match
Wrexham footballer James McClean has admitted to striking a Cardiff City supporter ahead of last week’s Carabao Cup clash, though he insists he was defending himself. The Derry native became caught up in a confrontation with rival fans before the fourth-round match at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday, 28 October, which saw the Bluebirds claim a 2-1 victory.
The 36-year-old, who has over 100 caps for Ireland, has now disclosed in a statement given to talkSPORT that the incident kicked off when he was approached by four Cardiff fans outside the stadium as he arrived in his vehicle. McClean claims he was first subjected to verbal abuse in the players’ car park before one person moved towards him.
The former international said he threw a punch at one of them before heading into the ground. A Wrexham spokesperson confirmed the incident was reported to the relevant authorities, though it’s understood North Wales Police aren’t currently looking into the matter.
McClean’s comments were aired by presenter Jim White on Wednesday afternoon after he reached out to him directly for his side of the story, reports the Mirror.
In a text message to White, he said: “What happened was I got out of my car in the players’ car park. Somehow, there were four male Cardiff fans, also late 20s, early 30s. They recognised me [and] immediately started running their mouths off at me. I ignored the first jibe. The second, I responded to, and I confronted them about it.
“Words were said. One of them, a tall chap with glasses, made a hostile move towards me. Like I’ve told you in previous interviews, Jim, I’m in my workplace, and I feel I should never feel threatened in that workplace. So instead, I wasn’t waiting for him to make the first swing. So I did. Four men, one of me.”
He added: “People need to understand just because we play football doesn’t mean people can try and take liberties without their actions having consequences. That was it. Nothing further happened. And the situation was dealt with. I hope that helps.”
McClean was left on the bench as Wrexham crashed out of the Carabao Cup following their defeat to Cardiff, falling just short of the quarter-finals. Will Fish struck the winner for the Bluebirds as the League One promotion chasers knocked out their Championship rivals.
A Wrexham spokesperson said: “Wrexham AFC are aware of an incident involving a first-team player and a visiting supporter ahead of our match against Cardiff City, which has been reported to the relevant authorities. We will be making no further comment on the matter at this stage.”
Cardiff went on to land a quarter-final tie against Premier League giants Chelsea. The mouth-watering encounter with the five-time champions is scheduled for the Cardiff City Stadium during the week beginning December 15.
Cardiff defender Perry Ng disclosed that the players’ WhatsApp group went into meltdown when they discovered who they’d be facing. “The group chat was bouncing,” he said.
“I’m buzzing to go in and see everyone and see what they think. I went to watch the Wales game the other day and the atmosphere was bouncing.
“Even the Swansea games we’ve had, the stadium’s unreal, the atmosphere is class and it gives you that extra buzz on the pitch. If we can get our place bouncing, I’m sure Brian (Barry-Murphy) won’t tell us to take a step back. We’ll go at them full force like we have been doing to other teams and see what happens.”
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