Wrexham star James McClean has confessed to punching a Cardiff supporter before last week’s all-Welsh Carabao Cup encounter but maintains he acted in self-defence. The former Premier League winger found himself embroiled in an altercation with opposing fans before the fourth-round fixture at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday, October 28, which the Bluebirds won2-1.

The 36-year-old has now revealed in a statement provided to talkSPORT that the confrontation began after he was approached by four Cardiff supporters outside the stadium upon arriving in his vehicle. McClean claims he was initially targeted with verbal abuse in the players’ car park before one individual advanced towards him.

The former Republic of Ireland international stated he threw a punch at one of them before making his way into the ground.

A Wrexham spokesperson confirmed the incident was reported to the appropriate authorities, though it’s understood North Wales Police are not presently investigating the matter.

McClean’s remarks were broadcast on Wednesday afternoon by presenter Jim White after he directly contacted him for a response.

In a text message to White, he stated: “What happened was I got out of my car in the players’ car park. Somehow, there were four male Cardiff fans, also late 20s, early 30s. They recognised me [and] immediately started running their mouths off at me. I ignored the first jibe. The second, I responded to, and I confronted them about it.

“Words were said. One of them, a tall chap with glasses, made a hostile move towards me. Like I’ve told you in previous interviews, Jim, I’m in my workplace, and I feel I should never feel threatened in that workplace. So instead, I wasn’t waiting for him to make the first swing. So I did. Four men, one of me.”

He added: “People need to understand just because we play football doesn’t mean people can try and take liberties without their actions having consequences. That was it. Nothing further happened. And the situation was dealt with. I hope that helps.”

McClean remained on the bench during Wrexham’s loss to Cardiff, which denied them a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Will Fish netted the decisive goal for the Bluebirds as the League One promotion hopefuls eliminated their Championship opponents.

A Wrexham representative stated: “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. We will be making no further comment on the matter at this stage.”

Cardiff subsequently secured a quarter-final draw against Premier League heavyweights Chelsea.

The prestigious clash with the five-time champions will occur at the Cardiff City Stadium during the week commencing December 15.

Cardiff defender Perry Ng revealed the squad’s WhatsApp group erupted with enthusiasm upon learning of their opponents. “The group chat was bouncing,” he said.

“I’m buzzing to go in and see everyone and see what they think. I went to watch the Wales game the other day and the atmosphere was bouncing.

“Even the Swansea games we’ve had, the stadium’s unreal, the atmosphere is class and it gives you that extra buzz on the pitch. If we can get our place bouncing, I’m sure Brian (Barry-Murphy) won’t tell us to take a step back. We’ll go at them full force like we have been doing to other teams and see what happens.”