Ex-Premier League star ‘punched’ fan in automobile park as membership points pressing assertion
Wrexham star James McCLean “punched a rival fan” ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Cardiff City last week, it has been claimed. The Irish winger, 36, is said to have been confronted by the Bluebirds supporter in the car park before kick off.
A group of Cardiff fans were said to have got into a heated exchange of words with McClean after he parked his car outside Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground before the crunch clash between the two Welsh football giants.
A source said it was an act of self defence from former Republic of Ireland international McClean, the Daily Mail reports.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
It is not clear how the travelling Cardiff fans would have gained entry to the parking compound for Wrexham players, which is sectioned off.
A Wrexham AFC spokesman 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.”
The Cardiff fan is not said to be pursuing the incident further and North Wales Police are not investigating, the Mail reported. Ex-Sunderland and Wigan winger McClean has been no stranger to controversy throughout his career.
(Image: PA)
The Derry-born star played for Northern Ireland at youth level, but sensationally pulled out of Nigel Worthington’s Northern Ireland squad for a “must win” Euro 2012 qualifier in August 2011 and declared himself available for the Republic of Ireland, for whom he went on to earn 100 caps.
He has received abuse over his decision not to wear a poppy in fixtures in the build up to Remembrance Day throughout his career in England since signing for Sunderland in the summer of 2011.
He stood separately from Wrexham and Mansfield players observing a minute of silence last year and Wrexham stepped up their security around McClean to protect him from abuse from rival supporters.
McClean received special permission from the EFL to allow him leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel when he has to come off during matches over fears for his safety.
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