James McClean Accused of 'Punching' Rival Fan as Wrexham Issue Statement
James McClean is alleged to have punched a Cardiff City fan who confronted him in the car park ahead of Wrexham's Carabao Cup tie.
Wrexham were dumped out of the competition following their 2-1 defeat to fellow Welsh side Cardiff last week.
A week on from their Carabao Cup elimination, a report has emerged claiming McClean, who was an unused substitute, punched a supporter in an act of self defence.
The incident took place before the game and saw a group of Cardiff fans involved in a back-and-forth with McClean after he parked his car outside the stadium, according to the Daily Mail.
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One source familiar with the altercation has claimed it was an act of set defence from the 36-year-old winger.
Per the report, Wrexham players are allocated a specific compound to park their cars and it is unclear how the away fans were able to gain access to the area.
Cardiff sources confirmed an altercation took place and stressed that the confrontation began in a joking manner towards McClean but soon escalated with insults exchanged to the point of a clash.
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."
The Daily Mail states the Cardiff fan involved in the McClean incident is not pursuing the altercation further and North Wales Police are not investigating.
Wrexham, meanwhile, bounced back from their bruising defeat to Cardiff by beating Frank Lampard's Coventry City 3-2 last Friday.
McClean, who has made eight appearances this season, was an unused substitute against Coventry.
Phil Parkinson's side resume their Championship campaign on Saturday when they face Portsmouth.
SPORTbible has reached out to Wrexham and James McClean's representatives for comment.
Topics: Wrexham, Football, Cardiff City
Nasir Jabbar