Keith Hackett: Wrexham's James McClean 'let down' in Stockport fan incident
03/24/2025 03:10 PM
Wrexham captain James McClean was let down after clashing with an opposition fan during his side’s win over Stockport County, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the winger should have been better protected as he departed the pitch at half time in the match.
Phil Parkinson‘s side gave their League One promotion hopes a further boost on Saturday (22 March) with a 1-0 win at home against the Hatters.
That came when Jay Rodriguez scored on the rebound from a penalty, after McClean had won a penalty for Wrexham midway through the first half.
It would not be the end of the controversy for the 35-year-old either, with another incident developing at half time.
Wrexham star clashes with supporters during match
Many Stockport fans had been unhappy with the decision to award a penalty, with some feeling Ibou Touray had been pushed by McClean, causing his arm to make contact with the ball.
Others felt that it would not have been awarded had it not been for the voiciferous appeals of the winger, after the penalty was originally not given.
Wrexham captain McClean has previously angered Shrewsbury fans this season, and he was involved in another incident with opposition supporters here.
| James McClean for Wrexham in 2024/25 | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 11 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
According to a report from The Mirror, as he was leaving the pitch at the interval, McClean became embroiled in a confrontation with a Stockport fan as he entered the tunnel.
It is alleged that a punch was thrown at the Wrexham captain, and that police were forced to intervene, with the FA now expected to investigate.
Meanwhile, a report from the Telegraph state a fan has now been arrested as a result of the clash with McClean.
Hackett now feels that more should have been done to protect the player and prevent such a confrontation occurring in the first place.
Keith Hackett reacts as James McClean involved in fan incident
Speaking to Football Insider about this incident involving McClean, the former referee said:
“First of all this will be investigated by the Welsh FA because it involves Wrexham. There’s plenty of witnesses around this particular scene.
“What prevention did the stewards who are there and the police make to intervene with this spectator? Was it too late?
“The whole aspect here is that the egress from the football field by players is always going to be a fairly hot environment.
“That is why they have the collapsible screen that comes out towards the pitch to prevent any form of altercation of this particular type.
“Was the screen out far enough? And what action did the stewards take to intervene? I think to some degree, the player’s probably been let down, because he has a right to be protected.”
Having gone on to win the game 1-0, Wrexham have moved up to second in the League One table, nine points above fifth-placed Stockport.
The post Keith Hackett: Wrexham's James McClean 'let down' in Stockport fan incident appeared first on Football Insider.
