James McClean Responds to Abuse from Shrewsbury Fans by Calling the Town a ‘Cesspit Full of Inbreds’ During Wrexham’s League One Match

James McClean’s Controversial Clash with Shrewsbury Fans

James McClean, the Wrexham footballer, stirred up a storm after being targeted with abuse by Shrewsbury Town fans during a recent League One match.

The exchange went viral, and McClean didn’t hold back in his response, calling Shrewsbury “a cesspit full of inbreds” on his Instagram story.

This latest incident added fuel to McClean’s ongoing controversy, stemming from his outspoken stance on sensitive political issues.

McClean’s Stance on the Poppy and National Symbols

McClean is no stranger to controversy, particularly due to his refusal to wear a poppy during Remembrance Day.

His decision stems from his experiences growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, where he feels the symbol represents more than just the victims of World Wars I and II—it also ties to Britain’s involvement in numerous conflicts.

McClean has repeatedly explained that if the poppy were only about those wars, he would wear it without hesitation.

However, given his personal history and the history of his hometown, he cannot support a symbol that, to him, signifies more than just remembrance.

The Shrewsbury Incident and the Fallout

During the match against Shrewsbury, a fierce rivalry fueled by the proximity of the two towns across the Wales-England border, McClean was on the receiving end of some pretty harsh taunts.

As the abuse escalated, McClean hit back on social media, sharing his thoughts on Shrewsbury in no uncertain terms.

His comments sparked widespread attention and criticism, as they added another chapter to his ongoing history of controversial reactions to fan abuse.

Previous Controversies Involving McClean

This wasn’t McClean’s first run-in with fans or the media.

In previous matches, he has clashed with opposition supporters, like during a game against Birmingham City in September, where he called a fan a “smelly fat gammon” after a Bovril was thrown at him.

He also stirred up further controversy when he posted on social media honoring an IRA figure, which led to backlash from some quarters.

McClean’s history includes a number of provocative actions, including turning his back during the British national anthem and saluting fans who mocked him for “hating the King.”

McClean’s Football Journey

Born in Northern Ireland, McClean has had a diverse career across English football.

He started with Sunderland in 2011 and went on to play for Wigan, West Brom, and Stoke. In 2023, he joined Wrexham, the club owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

On the international stage, McClean has been a mainstay for the Republic of Ireland, earning over 100 caps, though his earlier international career included representing Northern Ireland.

A History of Fan Backlash

While McClean is no stranger to fan abuse, this latest episode has again drawn attention to the intense scrutiny he faces.

There were reports of objects being thrown at him during the derby, and a video showing him confronting the crowd after a heavy tackle from Shrewsbury’s Toto Nsiala added to the tension.

Despite this, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson emphasized that McClean is accustomed to the hostility, both home and away, and that he has developed a thick skin over the years.

Moving Forward

As McClean continues his career at Wrexham, it’s clear that he will remain a lightning rod for controversy.

His willingness to engage with fans and express his views makes him a polarizing figure in football.

However, it’s also clear that McClean is used to the heat and will likely continue to stand firm in his beliefs, regardless of the backlash.