Wigan Athletic players forcefully pulls teammate James McClean away after he was spotted confronting Rotherham United fans on Friday.
It came in the game which saw Ollie Rathbone’s stunning strike ensure the Millers kept the Latics at arm’s length in the League One title race after a 1-1 draw at the New York Stadium.
Rathbone hammered home from distance to cancel out Stephen Humphreys’ first-half opener to keep their six-point lead intact at the summit, though Wigan do have two games in hand.
The encounter was described to be a hard-fought contest between the best two sides in the division and on this evidence, it wouldn’t be a surprise if both are celebrating promotion come the end of the season.
It was a fine finish from Humphreys in the 28th minute that made sure that it would be a tense game.
He initially appeared to look offside, as he was sent through on goal and saw a shot blocked, but after Rotherham failed to clear the loose ball it fell to the striker on the edge of the area and he hit a left-footed effort into the far corner.
It was the first goal Rotherham conceded in seven games and it meant they went into half time behind for the first time this season.
However, protecting an unbeaten run at home that started in September, the hosts made sure they weren’t going to be coming away with no points, so in the second half, gave a good account of themselves as Michael Smith forced Ben Amos into a smart stop following Ben Wiles’ cutback.
Minutes after Wigan had a second goal cancelled out for a foul by Will Keane on goalkeeper Josh Vickers, the Millers got their reward with 15 minutes remaining.
Rathbone picked up the ball 25 yards out and speared an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner to ensure his side took a point.
One incident during the game however that got people talking was James McClean seemingly confronting the home end after getting some abuse.
Twitter users reacted as Wigan players pulls James McClean away after confronting Rotherham fans…
@CraigyBoyBes: Absolute moron that guy. Can’t help himself #rufc
@tomoRufc: Vile man
@TN_officialmiz: Lol, Maclean laughable. He was giving in the big un when you were winning asking fans to come onto the pitch. Soon as we equalise he’s got face on & acting like he’s the big man “oooh hold me back” 😂😂🤣
@babylonrass: This lad needs to grow up
@williamoneilll: Rotherham fans continuing the trend unfortunately is more of an issue 🙃
@jakepurvis_8: Gets his fair bit of stick from fans though doesn’t he. Every game. Only fair he gives it back imo.
@EdmeadesAlex: He seems to kick off about something every time he plays?! What an absolute tool 😡
@craigtaylor1234: Once a wanker, always a wanker
@millergerv: What a prick this guy is!! Trying to fight with everyone, even Barlaser as he was being subbed…
@liamward_6: One of the biggest cunts in football that twat instantly hate any team that employs him
@fudgy66: @JamesMcClean_23 never change James your loved at Wigan our supporters respect your views #ourshithouse👊👊# upthetics
@SteFromWigan: James McClean boiling plenty of Rotherham piss was belting to see, the (sadly standard and never criticised) sectarian abuse he got was not. #wafc #fuckum
@JamesWhyte8: Will the @EFL ever grow any balls for the abuse James McClean gets every week playing for #wafc? @kickitout 🤷🏼♂️
@daharrison84: I’d rather James McClean do what he’s been doing all year and inviting home fans on the pitch for a scrap when they give him shit. Another one bottled it today
@Chris_Sando: BREAKING | James McClean is still a 🛎 🔚
@Rufcjoe87: Genuine question. What’s all the fuss and booing about James McClean. Have I missed something? #rufc
@nopenothappy: He was involved in the incident that got Kirk Broadfoot a 10 game ban
@Michaeljmoran: You mean the bit where Kirk Broadfoot racially abused him and therefore got a 10 game ban?
@stuessexmiller: It his behaviour, at the end by the dugouts it was appalling. It looks like he thrives on any abuse and the opportunity to goad opposition fans tbh
@BrennanMatthew7: Just some more casual sectarian abuse towards James McClean 🤷. Hardy surprised. Suppose there will be a few stadium bans and uproar over this………. I think not. #wafc
It comes days after he took aim at the Crewe Alexandra fans in the away end during a superb performance which saw him score in midweek.
His goal came in the 83rd minute, doubling Wigan’s lead, and after getting taunts throughout the game, he walked over and faced the travelling away support.
My shithouse #wafc pic.twitter.com/dMuzPZ7Wck
— James Brien (@JamesBrien1932) February 15, 2022
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