Wrexham footballer James McClean says he punched a Cardiff City fan in self-defence after a pre-match confrontation.
McClean, who performs as a winger, mentioned that as he was getting out of his automobile within the gamers' automobile park a gaggle of rival followers “started running their mouths” at him.
Wrexham AFC mentioned the incident occurred earlier than the 2 golf equipment confronted one another within the Carabao Cup fourth spherical on the Racecourse on October 28.
McLean advised talkSPORT: “I'm at my workplace and I feel like I should never feel threatened in that workplace… I wasn't waiting for him to take the first swing. So I did that.”
He mentioned: “Somehow, 4 males have been Cardiff followers – late 20s, early 30s.
“They recognized me [and] Immediately started moving his mouth on me. I ignored the first pinch.
“Second, I responded and I talked to him about it.
“Words have been mentioned. One of them, a tall man with glasses, took a hostile step towards me.”
McLean mentioned: “People want to know that simply because we play soccer doesn't imply folks can attempt to take liberties with out penalties for his or her actions.
“That's all. Nothing further happened. And the situation was dealt with.”
The sport, which began at 20:00 GMT, Cardiff City received 2–1 to guide a spot within the quarter-finals in opposition to Chelsea at house on 16 December.
Wrexham mentioned the incident “has been reported to the relevant authorities” and declined to remark additional.
Cardiff City FC mentioned it had not obtained a proper criticism “from any supporter”, and had additionally not been contacted by Wrexham or North Wales Police.
North Wales Police mentioned it had not obtained any reviews referring to the incident.
The Northern Ireland-born participant was subjected to verbal abuse by Lincoln City followers earlier this 12 months Purpose of anti-Catholic chanting On them throughout a match on 3 May.
The membership was fined £8,500 by the Football Association for failing to regulate supporters.
McClain, 36, grew up in Londonderry and has beforehand mentioned he discovered methods to make petrol bombs on the age of 11 Due to riots.
He has refused to put on a poppy due to Bloody Sunday – when members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment opened hearth on civil rights protesters in 1972, killing 13 folks.
He has 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 11 targets for the nationwide workforce between 2012 and 2023.
With inputs from BBC