Wrexham's James McClean targeted by fan as police forced to intervene
Wrexham captain James McClean was involved in an altercation with a supporter who was later ejected during his side's 1-0 win over Stockport at the Racecourse Ground
James McClean was reportedly involved in a confrontation with a fan who was subsequently removed as Wrexham secured a contentious win over Stockport. The Wrexham skipper became the focus of an irate Stockport supporter who was escorted out at the interval after attempting to approach the ex-Republic of Ireland international.
As McClean headed towards the Racecourse Ground tunnel, the fan is said to have thrown a punch before police and stewards intervened. Both Wrexham and North Wales Police have been contacted for a statement, reports the Mirror.
On the field, Jay Rodriguez has netted many superior goals, but his first for Wrexham might just be his most pivotal for his new team. The forward - who turns 36 this summer and is halfway through his two-year contract - awkwardly nudged his saved penalty rebound through the legs of Stockport keeper Corey Addai.
It was an unglamorous goal that concluded a diligent performance from Wrexham, a side known for their straightforward play and sparse excitement. Nevertheless, it secured their 12th 1-0 win of the campaign in a tetchy, raucous match that saw 11 yellow cards and a late red for Stockport's Brad Hills.
More importantly for Wrexham, this fourth triumph in five matches propelled them back into the automatic promotion spots at the summit of League One - now three points ahead of Wycombe, who have a game in hand. "It was always going to be a feisty encounter because there's now an edge to this fixture," remarked Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.
"But I think we deserved it and I'm delighted for Jay that he got his goal. He's worked tirelessly for the team and he deserved that moment but in terms of spirit, togetherness, grit and the determination required to engage at this stage of the season, it was all out there for us."
Rodriguez, who departed Burnley in January, had experienced a 10-game drought since his Wrexham debut. However, manager Parkinson astutely assigned him as the penalty taker before the match, and when the opportunity arose, Rodriguez seized it on his second attempt in the 29th minute.
"Jay's physical output is the highest on the pitch, which is extraordinary really," Parkinson remarked. "But that's the level you've got to get to to be a Premiership and a Championship player. His output is right up there and his intelligence positions he takes up when we've got possession has helped the team a lot.
"But of course everyone wants to get those moments. You live for those moments, you dream for those moments. It doesn't matter whether you're 25 or 35."
The penalty was awarded after McClean's header back across goal hit Stockport defender Ibby Touray's arm. Referee Simon Mather, after consulting with his assistant, controversially awarded the spot-kick.
Rodriguez then had a stroke of luck when his initial saved shot rebounded back to him.
Stockport's gaffer, Dave Challinor, was incensed with the call to give a penalty and carefully selected his words when addressing it. "I am not going to get myself into trouble by saying what I truly believe," he commented.
"It's not cost us three points because we weren't good enough to score, but it has cost us point because it was a really, really poor decision."
The match saw Hills sent off in the 80th minute after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Stockport struggling to pose any real threat being a man down.