Out of all the professional footballers currently making a living in the English football system, there is probably no player that has suffered as much abuse as James McClean down through the years.

The Irishman has long been a target for rival supporters. His well publicised stance on the poppy has been the driving force behind that, with McClean regularly targeted with vile abuse when playing for various clubs over the last decade or so.

Now the captain of Wrexham, it seems that one such incident became physical prior to a game last week.

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James McClean Forced To Act In Self Defence After Altercation With Rival Fan

Both the the Telegraph and Daily Mail reported Wednesday that James McClean was involved in an altercation with a Cardiff City supporter before Wrexham’s Carabao Cup tie against the club on Tuesday the 28th of October.

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It had been suggested that the confrontation turned physical, with McClean accused of ‘punching’ the fan in an act of self defence after coming under attack. Reports claimed that things became heated after a group of Cardiff fans launched a tirade at the Derry man after he parked his car in the Wrexham stadium carpark.

On Wednesday, McClean texted Jim White’s show on talksport with an explanation about what happened.

“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. 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.”

Rumours of the incident would first emerge on Cardiff City fan forums the following day, although confirmation from Wrexham relating to the incident would only come last night.

In a statement, they confirmed that the authorities had been made aware of what occurred on the evening:

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.

It has been confirmed by North Wales Police that no report has been made on the matter.

Wrexham players regularly make their own way to the Racecourse Ground ahead of the team’s fixtures, parking their cars on the property before linking up with the team.

With ‘poppy season’ now in full swing, the former Ireland star is unfortunately likely to be subjected to quite a bit more abuse over the coming weeks.

McClean did not feature in Wrexham’s 0-0 draw with Portsmouth on Wednesday night.

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