Wrexham’s James McClean says he threw a punch at a Cardiff City fan before Wales’ Carabao Cup match last week, confirming he was acting in self-defence after being confronted in the car park outside Wrexham’s stadium.
McClean confirmed that TalkSport that the incident took place before last Tuesday’s game, and the Republic of Ireland international alleged that he was approached by four Cardiff fans in the players’ car park.
McClean said Cardiff fans “started talking a lot” and he felt “threatened” after one of them approached him.
“What happened was I got out of my car in the players’ parking lot,” McClean said. TalkSport.
“Somehow, there were four male fans from Cardiff, also in their 20s and 30s. They recognized me, immediately started badmouthing me. I ignored the first jibe. I responded to the second one and confronted them about it.
“One of them, a tall guy with glasses, made a hostile move towards me… I am in my workplace and I feel like I should never feel threatened in that workplace.
“So I wasn’t waiting for him to take the first swing, so I did it. Four guys, one of me.
“People need to understand that just because we play football doesn’t mean they can try to take liberties without consequences for their actions.
“That was it. Nothing else happened. And the situation was resolved.”
Cardiff defeated Wrexham 2-1 in the SToK Cae Ras, in what was their first meeting in 21 years.
Police are not investigating the incident, the Press Association reported.
Wrexham said the club is “aware of an incident involving a first team player and an away fan prior to our match against Cardiff City, which has been reported to the relevant authorities.”
“We will not be commenting further on the matter at this time,” Wrexham added.
McClean did not feature in the Wrexham team that drew 0-0 at Portsmouth on Wednesday night.