James McClean played an important role for Wrexham yesterday as the Welsh side advanced to the second round of the FA Cup beating Mansfield Town 2-1 away from home.
Both teams are targetting promotion to League One next season and have made solid starts to this campaign with Wrexham sitting third in the league, and Mansfield one place behind them in fourth meaning that the cup tie was always going to be tight.
Sam Dalby and Paul Mullin goals put Wrexham 2-0 up, however Rhys Oates hit back with half an hour to go to make it a tense finish to the game for the 'red dragons'.
There were delightful scenes at full-time initially as McClean in particular was lauded by the away fans.
The Derry man, who signed for the club in August, appears to have quickly became a fan favourite as supporters sang a song about him to the tune of 'Voulez-Vous' by Abba.
McClean applauded the fans and pumped his fists in the air as he was serenaded.
James McClean absolutely LOVES IT. pic.twitter.com/iCmSCtrNbl
— Fearless In Devotion #WxmAFC podcast & fanzine (@fearlessidzine) November 4, 2023
Unfortunately things turned ugly as McClean headed back to the changing rooms.
With only a week to go until Remembrance Sunday in the UK a number of clubs who will not host home games next weekend are taking the opportunity this week to honour their war dead.
Players from both sides last night wore black armbands with the poppy on them, with McClean opting as always not to do so.
A video has emerged of McClean leaving the pitch and clearly engaging in words with a Mansfield supporter who was not pleased with him.
Both are seen pointing at each other with McClean having to be held back by fellow Wrexham players and staff.
james mclean offering out mansfield fans 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/kgA5BdS4fJ
— AG (@alfiegilberttt) November 4, 2023
Another Mansfield supporter then attempts to get over a barrier onto the pitch but is quickly stopped by stewards.
While the cause of what provoked McClean is unknown, every November he is subject to abuse for his decision not to wear the poppy.
McClean previously explained his reasons for the decision he takes.
"If the poppy was simply about World War One and Two victims alone, I'd wear it without a problem," he wrote in the West Brom programme nearly a decade ago.
"I would wear it everyday of the year if that was the thing but it doesn't, it stands for all the conflicts that Britain has been involved in. Because of the history where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that."
McClean will make his final international appearance for Ireland later this month when Stephen Kenny's men face New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on November 21st.
