'I wasn't waiting' - Wrexham winger James McClean prepares for Portsmouth fixture by admitting he punched Cardiff fan ahead of cup game

Wrexham winger James McClean has admitted he punched a Cardiff City fan in self defence ahead of last week’s Carabao Cup game between the two rival clubs.

The former Republic of Ireland international revealed details of the incident in a statement to talkSPORT. He said he ‘wasn’t waiting for him (the alleged victim) to make the first swing’ after being confronted by four Bluebirds supporters in the players’ car park at the Racecourse Ground. The 46-year-old claimed a hostile move had been made towards him.

McClean, who is expected to be in the Wrexham squad for tonight’s game against Pompey at Fratton Park, told the radio station: ‘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, 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.’

The 36-year-old, who has been an unused substitute for Wrexham’s past two games - including the cup defeat to Cardiff - added: ‘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.’

Wrexham have said the incident was ‘reported to the relevant authorities’.

Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, McClean has long found himself a target for rival fans for his refusal to wear a poppy around Remembrance Sunday. His stance relates to Bloody Sunday, when 13 people were killed and at least 15 others injured when members of the Army opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in the city in 1972.

Pompey’s game against Wrexham tonight is the club’s Remembrance Day fixture, when the Pompey family will remember all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

A club statement reads: ‘The HMS Collingwood Royal Naval Volunteer Band will be performing near the Jimmy Dickinson statue from 6.45pm, setting a reflective tone for the occasion.

‘We are also honoured to welcome representatives from the Portsmouth Armed Forces Supporters’ Club, 78 Squadron RAF, 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, HMS Sultan and the Royal British Legion.

‘At 7.45pm, standard bearers will lead a procession onto the pitch as part of the pre-match commemorations.’

Posting on X, the Pompey Armed Forces Supporters’ Club (@PompeyAFSC) said: ‘This year’s Remembrance fixture will be against Wrexham to that end the wearing of a poppy or not wearing of a poppy is a freedom of choice that was fought for #pompey#lestweforget.’

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