Police intervene in an an alleged angry altercation between a Stockport fan and James McClean at half time after penalty controversy.
The alleged incident came as he headed toward the tunnel at half time, with the Mirror saying it escalated with a fan allegedly aiming a punch at McClean, prompting police and stewards take action. The supporter was reported ejected from the stadium.
Wrexham and North Wales Police have yet to comment on the incident. Pictures have since been released. Reports of the altercation vary, with some on social media accused McClean of attacking him, CCTV footage will be reviewed by Wrexham and North Wales Police, McClean played the rest of the game.
Self defence apparently
— Fearless In Devotion | WREXHAM AFC podcast (@fearlessidzine) March 22, 2025
No fan should be aiming a punch at a player either.
— Fearless In Devotion | WREXHAM AFC podcast (@fearlessidzine) March 22, 2025
County fans swinging punches at the man as he left the pitch, Macca pushed his hand forward in a blocking gesture..
After CCTV control room intervention, Macca allowed back on the pitch and fans ejected.. says it all.
Wish he made connection with the scruffy coke head 😮💨😂
— Nath.🏴 (@NafNaf_97) March 22, 2025
Wrexham’s James McClean targeted by fan as police forced to intervene https://t.co/GlCsoJSQTx pic.twitter.com/r0RfjlIUJJ
— WalesOnline 🏴 (@WalesOnline) March 23, 2025
All he wants to do is share the love.
Jimmy is love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3nwW7kMxoD
— Craig Jones 🏴 (@craigyjones17) March 22, 2025
Controversial Wrexham star James McClean involved in ugly altercation with angry Stockport fan, forcing police to intervene https://t.co/JvD6lH0dnY
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 23, 2025
🚨 James McClean was allegedly involved in an altercation with a supporter who was later ejected as Wrexham earned a controversial victory over Stockport
✍️ @Graham_Thomas https://t.co/uadaL7Cvje pic.twitter.com/hFOFIgBbvb
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) March 22, 2025
The game was a tense affair, with 11 yellow cards and a late red card issued, reflecting the heated atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
The League One fixture itself was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the penalty that led to Wrexham’s winning goal.
Wrexham shot back up into an automatic promotion, after Jay Rodriguez scored his first goal for the club in the 29th minute. The veteran striker’s penalty was initially saved by Corey Addai, but he got on the rebound. However the penalty was awarded after McClean’s header across goal struck defender Ibby Touray’s arm.
Initially, referee Simon Mather awarded a corner, but after McClean vehemently protested to the linesman, the decision was overturned, and a penalty was awarded.
The call left Stockport fans and manager Dave Challinor frustrated, with Challinor suggesting it was a poor decision that cost his team a point in a crucial promotion battle.
How is that a pen 😂😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/VGhkw3pMDD
— The Scarf Bergara Wore Podcast (@CountyPodcast) March 22, 2025
Our captain. Our leader. pic.twitter.com/CERbrQKFBv
— Craig Jones 🏴 (@craigyjones17) March 22, 2025
@robryanredpod Wrexham captain James McClean wanted to soak up a crucial win over Stockport County… and the away fans don’t like it! #wrexham #jamesmcclean #stockport #footballtiktok #league1 #EFL ♬ original sound – robryanredpod
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said, per BBC Sport:
“It was always going to be a feisty affair, there was an edge to the game.
“But we stuck to the task, we got the goal at an important time and should have had a penalty before that.
“I’m delighted for Jay [Rodriguez] to get his goal, he’s worked tirelessly for the team, he deserved that moment.”
Stockport County boss Dave Challinor said, per BBC Sport:
“I’ve just spoken to the officials, if you’re going to get involved in situations, my argument would be ‘what have you seen?’.
“Regardless of that, that’s never been a penalty. There can be arguments potentially for the decision before, that’s more of a penalty that the one he’s given.
“I was a little bit disappointed with us – good control, but in terms of our chance creation, we need to be better.”
Jay Rodriguez said, per BBC Sport: “The main thing is the three points, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about getting the goal,” said Rodriguez.
“It’s a nice relief. I’ve always said to myself that if I continue to work hard, keep improving in every training session, do my finishing and keep knuckling down, hopefully it’ll come good.
“I’ve always had that belief, it’s done good for me throughout my career so I won’t change now. Hopefully I can get on a run and help the team.”
On his spot-kick, Rodriguez said: “I think it’s probably one of the worst penalties I’ve ever taken to be honest, it was meant to go higher than that and into the corner.
“But fortunately it bounced for me and I finished it. Hopefully if I do take another one it’ll go straight in.”
“You have to dream big otherwise there’s no point in turning up every day and working hard. The best place to be is in the Premier League,” added the forward.
“We’ve got eight really important games now. You can’t look too far ahead but you can dream, but you have to take care of business.
“It’s really admirable that the club’s been from where it’s been to be where it is now and it’s still pushing now, it’s something I’m really proud to be a part of.
“It’s a big thing for me to leave my hometown club Burnley, it had to be a really big project, and obviously Wrexham is a massive project.
“To be asked to come along, I’m grateful for the opportunity. It had to be a big thing, and it was a good situation for all.”
Twitter users reacted as police intervene in an angry altercation between Stockport fan and James McClean after controversy…
@SMGwersyllt1973: Let’s be honest, everyone gives it the big one against Mcclean so when he gives a bit back they don’t like it! It’s give and take.
@bfcseth: Other way round McClean gives it but can’t take it
@WrexhamSunny147: Surely, he’d have been sent off for that! 🤣 He’s still on
@GazTrow: Shouldn’t be anywhere near the field of play or tunnel area, cross any of them and he has to defend himself if it’s true
