Wrexham’s James McClean admits to striking Cardiff fan, says it was in self-defence
Wrexham winger James McClean has admitted to punching a Cardiff City supporter before last week’s all-Welsh Carabao Cup clash, claiming he acted purely in self-defence.
The incident occurred outside the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday, October 28, ahead of Wrexham’s 2–1 defeat to the Bluebirds in the fourth round. The 36-year-old former Premier League player explained that he was confronted by four rival fans after arriving at the stadium in his car.
In a statement issued to talkSPORT, McClean said the altercation began when the group recognised him and began shouting abuse. “I ignored the first jibe,” he said. “The second, I responded to, and I confronted them about it. Words were exchanged, and one of them, a tall man with glasses, made a hostile move towards me. I wasn’t waiting for him to take the first swing — so I did.”
McClean added that he acted out of concern for his safety: “Like I’ve said before, I’m in my workplace, and I shouldn’t feel threatened there. Four men, one of me. People need to understand that just because we play football doesn’t mean they can take liberties without consequences. That was it — nothing more happened.”
A Wrexham spokesperson confirmed the matter had been reported to the relevant authorities, though it is understood that North Wales Police are not currently investigating.
The comments were read out on air by broadcaster Jim White, who said McClean had personally messaged him to clarify what happened.
McClean was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup defeat, as Will Fish scored the decisive goal for Cardiff to seal their place in the quarter-finals and eliminate their Welsh rivals.
Following the incident, McClean expressed his continued enthusiasm for the club, praising the “unreal atmosphere” at the Racecourse Ground and saying he was eager to “see everyone” back at training. “If we can get our place bouncing,” he said, “we’ll go at teams full force like we have been doing.”
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