Wrexham star James McClean told to make 'public apology' for calling Shrewsbury a 'cesspit full of inbreds' after being pelted with objects during feisty clash

During Wrexham's 2-1 derby defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Thursday, objects appeared to be thrown at winger McClean by the home fans. The 35-year-old then took to social media to launch a brutal attack on Shrewsbury the town and those who targeted him; prompting former Premier League referee Keith Hackett to heavily criticise the veteran.

He told Football Insider: “I have officiated this game in the past and was well prepared. It does have a history of conflict. Players frankly should refrain from making these derogatory comments. Wrexham, whilst in the league, operate under the banner of the Wales Football Association. He is likely to receive a written warning from them if someone reports his comments to that organisation. Wrexham Football Club should offer him some operational advice and I would suggest make a public apology rather than placing it in the file and forget drawer.”

Not only did Wrexham lose the cross-border derby, they lost ground in the automatic League One promotion chase. Both first-placed Birmingham City and second-positioned Wycombe Wanderers won on Saturday to go five and three points clear respectively of Phil Parkinson's men. And McClean could face action over his remarks.

Things don't get easier for third-placed Wrexham as they host table-toppers Birmingham City, who have two games in hand, in a crunch clash in League One next Thursday.