so this game between Birmingham and Wrexham? Yeah, Wrexham lost 3-1, but that’s not even the craziest part. The real drama? James McClean, the Derry-born soccer star, totally stirred up some controversy, again. I mean, this guy can’t stay out of the spotlight.
So, here’s what went down. McClean gets into a bit of a scuffle with Eoghan O’Connell, another Irish player. After that, McClean gets subbed off, and as he’s walking around the pitch, fans start booing him. Like, loud.
What does McClean do? He doesn’t just walk away. Nope, he starts gesturing back at the crowd, and things escalate. He even shows off his ‘Free Derry’ tattoo by lifting his shorts and slapping his thigh. Yeah, he wanted the fans to see that one. And they did – some weren’t too happy about it.
Then, the wild part. One fan gets so mad they actually throw a drink at McClean. But here’s the thing, the guy catches it, and then pretends to take a sip before tossing it away! Like, can you imagine? The crowd must’ve been losing it.
McClean and His Tattoos – There’s a Story Behind Them
McClean’s got quite a few tattoos, and they all mean something to him. Back in 2018, when he scored for West Bromwich Albion, he celebrated by flashing that ‘Free Derry’ tattoo. It’s a nod to his home city, Derry, and the Free Derry Corner – a symbol of resistance.
Some fans love it, some… not so much. But that’s kind of his thing – he’s not afraid to be himself, no matter what people think. He got the tattoo back in 2014, along with some lyrics from Phil Coulter’s song, The Town I Love So Well – another tribute to Derry.
And that’s not all. McClean also has a tattoo of a quote about fatherhood, which he got after his daughter Allie Mae was born. It says, “A father is always making his baby into a little woman, and when she is a woman he turns her back again.” Pretty deep stuff for a guy who just caught a flying pint at a football match.
Above that, he’s got the McClean family crest, and in 2023, he and his wife Erin even got matching infinity symbol tattoos with hearts for each of their four kids. Yeah, this dude’s a family man too.
McClean’s Personal Life – More Than Just Tattoos
Speaking of his family, McClean’s been with his wife Erin since 2010, and they got married in 2016. They have four kids together: Allie May, James Jr., Willow Ivy, and Mia Rose. Their daughter Willow Ivy has autism, and McClean himself was recently diagnosed as well. It’s clear his family means everything to him.
That match will be remembered more for the tattoo drama than the score, for sure!
