Wrexham star James McClean has hit back at online trolls who targeted his wife following his recent car crash near the club’s training ground.
The 35-year-old Ireland international took to Instagram after walking away from the accident with minor injuries.
“I am blessed and thankful I managed to walk away with minor injuries and return home to my family,” McClean wrote.
He then took aim at those who had sent abusive messages to his wife, describing them as “smelly scruffy pathetic creatures” while thanking others for their supportive messages.
Wrexham star James McClean has hit back at online trolls who targeted his wife following his recent car crash near the club’s training ground
PA
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when McClean’s black Audi went off road near Wrexham Golf Club.
North Wales Police confirmed they received a report of a single-vehicle collision shortly before 9am on the A534 in Wrexham.
Officers and fire rescue services attended the scene, where the road remained blocked until the vehicle was recovered around 10am.
Eyewitnesses reported significant damage to McClean’s vehicle, including a smashed windscreen, with the car later being towed away.
James McClean shares snaps of his smashed up car on social media
Wrexham AFC released a statement confirming a first-team player had been involved in the accident, adding that “no other vehicles were involved.”
The incident occurred during treacherous conditions in North Wales, with fog and ice reported. One source told the Daily Mail that there were “lots of tyre marks” on the roundabout heading into Wrexham.
Despite the crash, McClean was passed fit to start and captain Wrexham in their crucial League One clash with Birmingham City.
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The match pitted two of the division’s biggest spenders against each other, with Birmingham, partly owned by NFL star Tom Brady, sitting top of the table.
Wrexham, who started the day in third place, had the chance to close the gap to two points with a victory.
The home side took an early lead through Ollie Rathbone in the ninth minute.
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However, Birmingham managed to equalise through a deflected Lyndon Dykes header.
The incident comes in a week where McClean sparked controversy with comments about Shrewsbury following a heated match.
The veteran winger had been subjected to abuse during Wrexham’s game against Shrewsbury Town, which is considered a cross-border derby.
James McClean played for Wrexham against Birmingham on Thursday night
GETTY
In response, McClean wrote on Instagram: “In fairness if I was born and raised in Shrewsbury I’d probably be this angry as well cause it’s an absolute cesspit full of inbreds.”
The Irishman has previously faced criticism for his stance on not wearing a poppy during Remembrance Day commemorations.
He has explained his position, stating he would wear it if it solely represented World War victims, but objects to it representing all British military conflicts.