Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson tells the EFL to do more to protect James McClean from abuse after the incident at Shrewsbury.
A number of videos emerged on social media last week showing objects thrown from the stands in the direction of McClean as Wrexham fell to a 2-1 League One defeat at Shrewsbury Town.
McClean was also on the end of a being taken out by Toto Nsiala which resulted in huge cheers from the home fans, trying to rile him up even more as the game entered the final minute.
Shrewsbury said in a statement that they are working with West Mercia Police, who have launched an investigation, with the FA also involved.
The club said: “Further to the incidents at our game against Wrexham last Thursday, supporters are reminded that throwing missiles and the possession/use of pyrotechnic devices are both criminal offences.
“The club will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk.
“We have been actively investigating several incidents since Thursday night while supporting West Mercia Police in further investigations.
“Three supporters have been issued bans pending further investigation so far, and one supporter has received an extended ban for breach of an existing order.”
James McClean responds to Shrewsbury fans who aimed abuse at him in Wrexham’s defeat
“Occasionally the level of abuse goes too far and I’m not sure enough is done about it,” Parkinson said.
“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.
“All I can effect is a great lad in our squad and a key player, and making sure he is ready for the game.”
Parkinson on McClean being in close proximity with rival fans due to his position on the left flank: “I am not sure we are going to change his position because of that!
“That spilt over in the Shrewsbury game but I am not sure I saw enough being done to protect a great lad.”
The EFL have launched an investigation into the troubling scenes and abuse, where we saw stewards forming a barricade as McClean was taking a throw-in in front of home fans. The game was briefly stopped.
McClean took to his instagram to give his take on the abuse he received. He is said to have later deleted it.
“I feel for James because the level of abuse he gets is something I’ve never witnessed for a player,” Parkinson added.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says the EFL need to do more to protect James McClean from the abuse the midfielder receives during games.#BBCFootball #WxmAFC #EFL
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 21, 2025
“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 every 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.”
Parkinson also said to Sky Sports: “He’s fine. James is used to it wherever he goes. Fans get on his back home and away and sometimes it can be tough and spill over but he is used to it.”
This is how fans reacted as Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson tells the EFL to do more to protect James McClean from abuse…
@Geraint4WxmAFC: Any comments from @shrewsburytown yet? Surely they know from cctv who was throwing missiles onto the pitch and rival fans, also the racist abuse? Maybe ask for an interview?
@louishdyoutube: Only gets the abuse due to the nature of his comments, attitude etc. His Instagram story the other day – how a “professional footballer” like him who’s played the level he has can post that is awful. In my opinion, if he can’t take it, don’t give it… #WxmAFC #WrexhamAFC
@Elainejenning14: I hadn`t noticed that EFL was doing anything to protect James McClean TBH. Whatever they are doing isn`t working and agree with Parkie, more needed.
@Cawleyyyy: One man can rattle thousands of men in a stadium by simply playing football but it’s McClean that’s the problem 😂
@yellowandblue88: WhaaAA. This must be a joke. The guy loves winding up crowds. (Nothing to do with his beliefs). He insights sections of grounds when I’ve seen him play for Wigan and Wrexham. He then gives back once they bite.
@mjenkins1927: McClean is a hero. He has received constant abuse and death threats over the years , just because he dares to stand up for his own people , who were murdered by the British military yet never punished for it.
@ccfcview: Didn’t used to like him at all but I actually respect him now – someone who sticks to his word.
@Garethdom: Bollocks. His political views are nothing to do with it, he gets absuse because he enjoys winding folk up, but can’t take it when he gets it back. He’s a clown.
@ElseNathan2014: Tbh he doesn’t help himself. Gives it big un, basically hates england, but has spent majority of his career in England. He’s 35 years old, just spend rest of your career in Ireland, not got much left probably. Not saying he deserves his abuse, but I’m not surprised he does get it
@WayneKmiov: Calling Salopians Inbreds probably isn’t a good help to the cause is it?
@JordanDaniels_1: He shouldn’t be a nob head then should he.
@bfcseth: He needs to do more to stop trying to wind fans up then not be able to take it himself
@JoshRocketHG: Same guy who called Shrewsbury a “cesspit” full of “inbreds” Guys a shit bag, full on shit bag!
@samRFC71: he gets abused and abuses back, it’s all fair game. he’s been a knobhead for years. all for him giving it back, but he doesn’t help himself at all. #wrexham #WxmAFC
@haydn_babbidge: He instigated all the abuse he received, didn’t see him being booked or talked to by the ref to wind it in did you? If he gives it out don’t be shocked fans reacting..
@aroundgroundsss: Soon as he keeps his gob shut it things may change. Spouts Off and expects fans to say nothing. Honestly baffles me
@kevjohnson77: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 he hardly helps himself does he. Gets all the dogs abuse he deserves
@ceribogs1927: That’s not going to happen, the guy had made his own bed over the years and if they didn’t expect the shit the must be nuts
@stuartwallace1: You need to get rid of him when his contract is up or sell him – he gets dogs abuse but he hasn’t helped himself – you could get a couple of decent players with the wage he will be on with no baggage
@kevingentile1: He brings most of it on himself!
@BH2211FC: No chance, he’s only interested in giving cheap shots to opposition fans rather than playing football. If he wants that to stop then he needs to wind his neck in but he won’t though will he? If Parkinson is defending him then he is just as bad as McClean imo. End of.
@joeclar80252630: Don’t give it if you can’t tek it 👍🏻
@BFCsummers26: Stop it Phil, he brings it on himself antagonising the fans
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