Birmingham City fans sought to rattle James McClean by launching a missile at the Wrexham star in Monday’s League One clash, only to be left red-faced by the former Premier League player’s reflexes.
Celebrity A-listers descended on St Andrew’s as Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady was joined by David Beckham for the English football third-tier clash.
The hosts eventually managed a stunning comeback as goals from record-signing Jay Stansfield turned the match on its head, with Birmingham sealing a memorable 3-1 victory.
Londonderry-born McClean has a track record of winding up opposition supporters and was met with a rebuttal of jeers as he left the pitch with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Despite trailing in the match, McClean attempted to wind-up Birmingham fans by gesturing towards them while he walked around the edge of the playing surface after being substituted.
James McClean (right) was involved in several flashpoints throughout Wrexham’s defeat by Birmingham
McClean caught a drink that had been launched at him by Birmingham fans in the stands
One angry fan then decided to throw a drink at McClean and was left reeling when the Republic of Ireland defender man his athleticism by catching the cup with one hand.
The 35-year-old then pretended to take a sip before casting the drink aside and continuing to walk back to the dugout while engaging with opposition supporters.
McClean then further tired to irk rival fans by slapping his thigh to reveal a ‘Free Derry’ tattoo in relation to his birthplace in Northern Ireland.
The ex-Stoke City player has previously called for a united Ireland and refuses to wear a poppy as is traditional in English football throughout November.
McClean was also the only Wrexham player to be booked during the defeat that keeps them top of the table on goal difference.
Meanwhile, it was a celebrity rollcall in the Midlands as Brady and Beckham were also joined by Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney in the stands.
McClean pretended to take a sip of the drink before throwing it off the pitch while being substituted
McClean then further tired to irk rival fans by slapping his thigh to reveal a ‘Free Derry’ tattoo
Serial Super Bowl champion, Brady, is attempting to embed himself in English football after investing in Birmingham and was taunted with an X-rated chant by Wrexham fans throughout the game.
Brady acknowledged the Wrexham supporters by pointing at them once he heard the chant and was in good spirits throughout the encounter as Birmingham moved level with Monday’s opponents at the top of the table.
