Wrexham boss reacts to James McClean abuse as Shrewsbury fallout continues

Play was halted in the cross-border derby last week between Wrexham and Shrewsbury as stewards had to form a barrier between fans and the Northern Irishman as he prepared to take a throw-in. 

It is claimed objects were thrown at the former West Brom midfielder, and four Shrewsbury fans have since been banned, pending investigation. 

It is not the first time objects have been thrown at the 35-year-old this campaign. McClean caught a drink launched in his direction when he was taken off during Wrexham's 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrew's earlier in the campaign. 

After the most recent incident, McClean took to social media, branding Shrewsbury a 'cesspit full of inbreds' on his Instagram story - something which he later deleted. 

Questions about the incidents at the Croud Meadow last Thursday night - which Salop won 2-1 thanks to two goals from John Marquis - were put to Wrexham boss Parkinson. 

"Occasionally, the level of abuse goes too far, and I'm not sure enough is done about it," Parkinson said, speaking before his side's return fixture against Blues. 

"People are quite quick to jump on the back of players for stepping out of line, and referees are quick to give people yellow cards.

"Then I think, what are the EFL doing about the level of abuse Jimmy gets on a week-to-week basis, and for me, it's nowhere near enough.

"But unfortunately, I don't think my words are going to be enough to change that."

The former Republic of Ireland international has long been targeted by opposition fans due to his decision not to wear a poppy. 

And Parkinson says the levels of abuse are something he has never seen before. 

"I feel for James because the level of abuse he gets is something I've never witnessed for a player," Parkinson added.

"He's a great lad, and it's human nature that will spill over with him.

"Go back to the Barnsley game, Birmingham away and obviously the other day and for anybody that's difficult to deal with.

"But he's a tough character, and he's focusing on what he's got to do on the pitch.

"And we're working with him to block everything out and concentrate on bringing to the team what he has done ever since he's been here, which is great honesty, incredible drive and determination for the group and real leadership qualities.

"I know on Thursday night, our supporters are going to be right behind Jimmy because he deserves that and because he's been a brilliant signing for us."

After the trouble in Shropshire last week, it is understood the FA are investigating the incidents. 

Meanwhile, McClean is set undergo medical checks after being involved in a car crash on his way to Wrexham training on Wednesday morning.

Wrexham have not named the player involved in the single-car incident but it is understood it was McClean.

He was was due to be examined by medical staff on Wednesday. Images on social media showed an Audi RS6, said to be McClean’s vehicle, on a pick-up trailer a few miles from the Wrexham training ground.

A statement from the League One club said: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that a first-team player has been involved in a car accident this morning on his way to training.

“It was a single car accident with no other vehicles involved and the relevant local authorities were quickly present at the scene.

“The player reported to the club this morning and will undergo further medical checks as a precaution.”

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “Shortly before 9am this morning (Wednesday, January 22), we received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision on the A534 in Wrexham, near to Wrexham Golf Club.

“Officers and colleagues from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident, which had blocked the road until the vehicle was recovered shortly before 10am. No serious injuries were reported from the scene.”