James McClean has been heavily criticised following Wrexham’s promotion celebrations last weekend.
Wrexham wrapped up promotion to League One in style with a 6-0 hammering of Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
It was a joyous occasion for the club, who achieved consecutive promotions for the first time in their history, but celebrations after the match didn’t come without controversy.
James McClean criticised after Wrexham promotion celebrations
After the match on Saturday, supporters spilt onto the pitch to celebrate with the Wrexham players.
During the celebrations, midfielder James McClean was involved in a rather controversial chant with the supporters regarding King Charles.
The 34-year-old has faced long-term criticism for his personal views, with many lambasting his decision not to wear a poppy during his time in the Premier League.
McClean has since admitted to joining supporters as they chanted about how he “hates the King”.
This was bound to see the Irishman face backlash, but it’s a level of criticism he’s grown used to during his time in England.
The former Sunderland winger has now responded to a MailOnline article published on Tuesday that criticised the Wrexham star for his involvement in those chants.
On his Instagram story, he wrote: “Is this correct? Absolutely and I also sang along at the top of my lungs.
McClean also refused to apologise for his actions despite perhaps offending people on social media.
He added: “Do I make any apologies for doing so? Absolutely not.”
This incident came just weeks after Prince William visited the Racecourse Ground to meet staff and players while hearing about how the club has risen since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds tookover.
Controversial figure, but excellent footballer
McClean’s latest actions won’t come as a surprise to many, with the veteran coming under fire previously for turning his back while the national anthem played in 2015.
The Irishman also admitted to posting a controversial picture of himself in lockdown ‘jokingly’ home-schooling his children in a balaclava, which was interpreted as a reference to the IRA.
Aside from the controversy that comes attached to McClean, he is an excellent footballer and since joining Wrexham from Wigan Athletic last summer, he’s played an integral role in their promotion.
Playing as a left wing-back or central midfielder, the Irish wizard has scored three and assisted 10 goals in 35 appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt.
McClean’s involvement at Wrexham is down to McElhenney’s and Reynolds’ ability to attract such a player.
And while views towards the monarchy will forever see him criticised, supporters of the Welsh side won’t care as long as he delivers the goods.