Wrexham's McClean admits to punching Cardiff supporter

WREXHAM star James McClean has admitted to punching a Cardiff fan ahead of last week’s all-Welsh Carabao Cup clash but insists he did so out of self-defence.

- By LIAM RANDALL

‘The former Premier League winger was involved in an incident with rival supporters before the fourth-round tie at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday, 28 October, which the Bluebirds won 2-1. The 36-year-old has now claimed in a statement issued to talkSPORT that the fracas started after he was confronted by four Cardiff supporters outside the stadium after arriving in his car.

McClean alleges that he was initially subjected to verbal abuse in the players’ car park before one man moved towards him. The ex-Republic of Ireland international said he took a swing at one of them before entering the ground.