McClean’s Post-Match Jibe at Rotherham Fans Caps Crucial Wrexham Victory

Controversial Wrexham captain James McClean wasted no time taking aim at Rotherham supporters following his side’s narrow 1-0 victory on Saturday, posting a provocative message on social media that has already sparked widespread reaction from football fans.

The outspoken Irish international, known for his no-holds-barred approach both on and off the pitch, took to Instagram hours after the final whistle to celebrate the win with a pointed message directed at the traveling supporters.

“Rotherham fans stink of p*ss, came to the racecourse and got dismissed,” wrote McClean beneath a photo of himself celebrating the crucial League One victory that has boosted Wrexham’s promotion hopes.

Sam Smith’s solitary goal proved the difference in a tightly contested match at the Racecourse Ground, pushing the Red Dragons level on points with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, who were held to a 1-1 draw away at Peterborough United. Despite the identical points tally, Wycombe maintain their position thanks to superior goal difference.

The win represents another significant step forward in Wrexham’s ambitious project under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with automatic promotion to the Championship now a realistic prospect for the Welsh club who were playing non-league football just two seasons ago.

McClean, 35, signed for Wrexham in July 2023 after leaving Wigan Athletic and has quickly established himself as a key figure in Phil Parkinson’s squad. The midfielder’s combative style and leadership qualities have made him popular with the Wrexham faithful, though his outspoken nature continues to divide opinion among wider football circles.

This latest social media controversy adds to McClean’s growing reputation for provocative comments. In January, he faced calls to make a public apology after describing Shrewsbury as a “cesspit full of inbreds” following Wrexham’s fiery 1-0 FA Cup third-round victory, during which McClean and his teammates were pelted with objects from the crowd.

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was among those demanding an apology for those comments, though McClean appeared largely unrepentant. The Football Association reportedly looked into the incident but ultimately took no formal action against the player.

Saturday’s victory over Rotherham puts Wrexham in prime position as they head into a crucial sequence of fixtures that could determine their promotion fate. The Red Dragons face three critical matches against direct rivals in the coming weeks – away trips to Reading and Wycombe Wanderers, followed by a home clash with Stockport County. All three opponents harbor their own ambitions of securing promotion or playoff spots.

For Wrexham, these upcoming fixtures represent the most significant test yet of their credentials as genuine automatic promotion contenders. The club has invested heavily in assembling a squad capable of climbing through the leagues, with the ultimate goal of reaching the Championship and potentially beyond.

The remarkable transformation of Wrexham since Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover in February 2021 has captured global attention. The club’s journey has been documented in the popular “Welcome to Wrexham” series, bringing unprecedented exposure to the third-tier club and attracting a new generation of supporters from around the world.

McClean’s provocative social media activity, while controversial, reflects the growing confidence within the Wrexham camp as they enter the business end of the season. His uncompromising attitude mirrors the club’s determination to continue their meteoric rise through the English football pyramid.

For Rotherham, meanwhile, the defeat represents another setback in what has been a challenging campaign. Having been relegated from the Championship last season, the Millers have struggled to mount a serious push for an immediate return to the second tier.

As attention now turns to Tuesday’s trip to Reading, Wrexham fans will be hoping their side can maintain momentum in the promotion race while McClean’s latest social media controversy will likely add extra spice to their upcoming encounters.

The midfielder’s combative personality and willingness to engage with rival supporters has made him a lightning rod for attention throughout his career, particularly during his spells at Sunderland, Wigan, and Stoke City. His refusal to wear a poppy due to his upbringing in Derry, Northern Ireland, has also made him a divisive figure in British football.

Whether his latest comments attract formal scrutiny from football authorities remains to be seen, but one thing seems certain – James McClean will continue to make headlines both on and off the pitch as Wrexham’s promotion push enters its decisive phase.