Wrexham captain James McClean has revealed an incident with Cardiff City fans after his team’s 2-1 defeat to the Bluebirds in the Carabao Cup.
The 36-year-old was reportedly ambushed in the car park before being approached by 4 men.
From Bad To Worse: How The Incident Unfolded
In the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, Cardiff City edged out Wrexham 2-1 at The Racecourse Ground. Cardiff took the lead early through Yousef Salech in the 13th minute, capitalising on a loose ball after Omari Kellyman’s effort was saved.
Wrexham responded in the second half when substitute Kieffer Moore headed home an equaliser in the 52nd minute. However, Cardiff regained control and sealed the win when Will Fish thumped in a volley in the 71st minute to advance to the quarter-finals. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson’s decision to make multiple changes proved costly, as Cardiff dominated large portions of the game and held firm for the victory.
The result marked the first meeting between these two Welsh clubs in over twenty years, adding extra significance to the tie. Cardiff now moves on in the competition, while Wrexham must regroup after a disappointing cup exit and disappointing league start.
We exit the League Cup.
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/uvvgnCJQqs
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) October 28, 2025
James McClean has always been a figure who divides opinion. His refusal to wear the Remembrance Day poppy, citing his personal and historical ties to his hometown of f Derry, Northern Ireland, and of the troubles faced during the problems between Britain and the IRA, has made him unpopular in many English clubs and with some sections of fans, to say the least.
McClean has frequently been subjected to sectarian and anti-Irish abuse. He’s also never shied away from speaking his mind about everything from national allegiance to perceived media bias, which has kept him under the spotlight for more than just his football.
In the incident post Cardiff City, McClean admitted that he punched an away fan in the car park, in an act he claimed was in self-defence.
An investigation into how the Cardiff City fans accessed the car park is now underway.
Speaking to Talk Sport after the incident, McClean said:
“Somehow, there were four male Cardiff fans, also late 20s, early 30s. They recognised me, and immediately started running their mouths off at me.”
“Words were said. One of them, a tall chap with glasses, made a hostile move towards me.
“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.”
The Consequences Of The Actions: How Will Wrexham Move On?
Wrexham are looking to move swiftly past their Carabao Cup exit and the controversy that followed, as manager Phil Parkinson refocuses his side on league stability. The 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City was a bruising night for the club, both on and off the pitch, but Parkinson insists his players will respond from this disappointing defeat.
Phil Parkinson on tonight’s defeat.
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) October 28, 2025
The match itself exposed both the promise and the pitfalls of Wrexham’s approach. Yousef Salech’s early strike put the visitors in control, punishing cautious defending that has troubled Wrexham in recent weeks.
The introduction of Kieffer Moore at half-time sparked life into the hosts, his headed equaliser briefly reigniting belief around the Racecourse. Yet, Will Fish’s 71st-minute volley restored Cardiff’s advantage and ultimately sealed their passage to the quarter-finals, leaving Wrexham ruing missed chances and lapses in concentration.
Beyond the result, the spotlight has once again remained on James McClean, following reports of a post-match altercation with a supporter.
The incident, now under investigation, threatens to distract from Wrexham’s campaign and recent success, but sources close to the club suggest Parkinson is determined to maintain focus within the squad.
With ambitions of another promotion in this record-breaking few seasons in recent seasons, Wrexham’s response in the coming fixtures will be vital to whether this setback becomes a defining moment ot just another thorn in their side.
