Wrexham’s James McClean reveals why he punched a Cardiff fan in a pre-match car park row ahead of last week’s Carabao Cup tie.
The exchange reportedly began ‘jovially’ between the 36 year old and Cardiff fans at the Racecourse Ground, but escalated, with one exclusive claim alleging McClean threw a punch in self-defence.
Wrexham confirm they’re aware and have reported it to authorities, declining further comment, while Cardiff say no fan complaint has been received and have no comment. It’s unclear how supporters accessed the players’ private parking area.
McClean was an unused substitute, with the Bluebirds going on to win thanks to goals from Yousef Salech and Will Fish.
EXCLUSIVE: James McClean allegedly threw a punch at a Cardiff City fan in the car park ahead of last week’s Carabao Cup game.
Both clubs aware of the confrontation. One source claims it was an act of self defence.#WxmAFChttps://t.co/YBugU11eAt
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) November 4, 2025
Wrexham star James McClean involved in car park ‘incident’ with Cardiff City fan https://t.co/CkvWK0vxCF
— Cardiff City Online (@CardiffCityLive) November 4, 2025
A spokesperson for Wrexham said, per Wales Online: “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.”
Sources from Cardiff City have said that no official complaint has been made to the club by any fan, nor has there been any communication from either Wrexham or North Wales Police.
The Sun add that North Wales Police are understood not to be investigating.
As the story emerged, James McClean posted via his Instagram account, using a quote by Mike Tyson which read: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
McClean has also issued a statement to talkSPORT, saying: “His latest text to the White & Jordan presenter read: “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.”
Jim White said: “One thing about James is he’s not backward and coming forward. This is what happened. And it happens to him from time to time.”
And he spoke to talkSPORT’s White and Jordan about the EFL allowing him to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel rather than at the nearest exit when substituted after abuse he’s had aimed at him.
McClean said: “It’s not something I’ve asked for, so it was quite a shock to see it, to be honest. It’s definitely welcome because, not just for me, but for anyone.
“I find that a very stupid rule anyway – leaving the pitch at the nearest exit – you’re putting yourself in a situation where players have to walk around the outside of the pitch, and, especially, players playing away…and you can get idiots.
“It’s very hard to control thousands of idiots if you’re a steward or police if people wanna throw things, if people wanna shout abuse – not everybody can be controlled.
“It just takes away the [chance of] anything stupid happening really, common sense has prevailed let’s say!”
Back in 2021, EFL clubs were warned to take action against sectarian abuse directed at player James McClean, including the threat of charges and fines for clubs if their fans engage in discriminatory chanting.
As a result, some clubs, such as Lincoln City, have been fined, and others have been put on notice that they will be charged if further incidents occur in their stadiums.
In October 2025, the Imps were fined £8,500 by the Football Association (FA) after supporters aimed “sectarian chants” at an opposition player.
Chief executive Liam Scully said: “We accept the charge, recognise our responsibility, and remain firmly committed to eradicating negative behaviour through a combination of education and sanctions.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, he hoped to hold an open meeting with supporters “to hear the experiences of the fans”.
“I think it’s really important that we then work around both education and sanctioning,” he said.
“Using those two vehicles together as the right blend and the right mix in order to tackle this going forward.
“I think it’s getting that balance between making sure we have that phenomenal atmosphere that we do that we’re not sterilising the games, and that’s absolutely the last thing that we want to do, but I don’t think these things are mutually exclusive from each other.
“I believe and I know we can have an inclusive environment where everybody is happy, everybody is enjoyable, everybody’s welcoming and the phenomenal atmosphere that we do have at Sincil Bank as well.”
