- Wrexham bolstered their promotion hopes with win over Stockport on Saturday
- But victory was marred by ugly scenes involving a supporter during the interval
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is England’s squad good enough to win the World Cup?
Police were allegedly forced to intervene after Wrexham captain James McClean was targeted by an angry Stockport County fan on Saturday.
Phil Parkinson’s side welcomed the Hatters to the Racecourse Ground this weekend with both sides looking for a win to bolster their hopes of promotion.
Ultimately though it was the hosts who would emerge victorious, with Wrexham awarded a first-half penalty after the referee judged McClean’s header to have struck defender Ibby Touray’s arm.
Jay Rodriguez stepped up from 12 yards but despite seeing his initial effort saved by the goalkeeper, the former Premier League forward converted the rebound to put his side in front.
With Wrexham entering the interval with a one-goal lead, McClean was making his way down the tunnel when he was targeted with abuse from rival supporters.
Tensions quickly threatened to boil over and a supporter was subsequently ejected from the ground by stewards and the police after allegedly throwing a punch at the Republic of Ireland international.
James McClean was targeted by an angry supporter during Wrexham’s win over Stockport on Saturday
The controversial star was involved in an altercation with travelling fans at half-time
Police and stewards later intervened and reportedly ejected a fan from the ground after they attempted to assault the Republic of Ireland international
The second half saw Stockport reduced to ten men in the closing stages after Bradley Hills was shown a second yellow ten minutes from time.
Wrexham managed to maintain their lead, securing what could prove to be a vital three points as they look to secure back-to-back promotions for a third season running under the ownership of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
For McClean Saturday’s incident marks the latest controversy in the firebrand footballer’s career.
The 35-year-old has made headlines for a number of years for his refusal to wear a poppy around Remembrance Day, while he also refused to link arms with his team-mates during a minute’s silence last year.
After a video of fans targeting McClean during a game between Shrewsbury and Wrexham in January circulated widely online, the Irishman was quick to offer a retort over social media.
‘In fairness if I was born and raised in Shrewsbury I’d probably be this angry as well cause it’s an absolute cesspit full of inbreds,’ he wrote on his Instagram story.
Following Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Rotherham earlier this month the ever-outspoken McClean again made his thoughts clear on the Yorkshire club’s travelling contingent.
McClean shared a photo of himself celebrating, accompanied with the X-rated caption: ‘Rotherham fans stink of p***, came to the racecourse and got dismissed.’
