Wrexham star James McClean allegedly punched a Cardiff City supporter who confronted him in the car-park ahead of last week’s Carabao Cup clash.
The incident, which took place before Cardiff City’s 2-1 win, saw a group of Cardiff supporters involved in a back-and-forth with McClean after he parked his car outside the stadium.
One source familiar with the altercation has claimed it was an act of self defence from the former Republic of Ireland international.
Wrexham players are allocated a specific compound to park their cars and it is unclear how the away fans were able to gain access to the area.
Cardiff sources, who confirmed an altercation took place, stressed that the interaction began in a joking manner towards McClean but soon escalated with insults exchanged to the point of a clash.
‘Wrexham AFC are aware of an incident involving a first-team player and a visiting supporter ahead of our match against Cardiff City, which has been reported to the relevant authorities,’ a club spokesperson told Daily Mail Sport.
‘We will be making no further comment on the matter at this stage.’
Daily Mail Sport understands the Cardiff fan involved in last week’s clash is not pursuing the incident further. North Wales Police are not investigating.
This time last year Wrexham stepped up their security around McClean to protect him from abuse from rival supporters.
As revealed at the time by Daily Mail Sport, McClean received special permission from the EFL to allow him leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel when he has to come off during matches.
McClean, who is from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, stood separately from Wrexham and Mansfield players observing a minute of silence as he refused to wear a poppy on the weekend of Remembrance Day fixtures.
The 35-year-old’s hometown, known to Republicans as Derry, was the scene for the infamous 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, in which British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, with 14 killed.
McClean has previously said he chooses not to wear a poppy because he feels it shows disrespect to people who died during the Troubles in his home nation.
A leaked letter sent to other clubs after talks were held between league officials, Wrexham and refereeing body PGMOL, confirmed the story.
In the message to club safety officers, the EFL said: ‘You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.
‘This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. Missiles have also been thrown.
‘It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel.
‘This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.’
