Wrexham captain James McClean has hit out at one of his fellow countrymen over his conduct in a crucial World Cup qualifier for the Republic of Ireland against Armenia
Wrexham star James McClean has criticised Ireland international Finn Azaz for his behaviour during Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Armenia at the Aviva Stadium.
Azaz found himself at the centre of a controversial moment when Armenian player Tigran Barseghyan received his marching orders for making contact with the Irishman’s head during the early stages of the second half. Following the contact, the Southampton midfielder went down theatrically and ensured the referee and his officials were fully aware of what had happened.
The Armenian skipper was promptly dismissed with a straight red card, enabling Ireland to seize control of the game and ultimately secure victory courtesy of an Evan Ferguson header. The dismissal proved to be a pivotal moment in the 2026 World Cup qualifier and McClean has questioned Azaz’s dramatic reaction, branding it as “embarrassing.”
Posting on an Instagram story, he said (via the Irish Mirror): “Still going to be a red card now with VAR in play without falling down holding your face like Canelo [Alvarez] just landed one flush, embarrassing behaviour.”
McClean, who has a total of 103 caps for Ireland, announced his retirement from international football in October 2023. He explained at the time that he made the decision due to a row with then-manager Stephen Kenny, who took issue with his move to Wrexham in the summer of the same year.
Kenny was apparently unimpressed with McClean dropping down to League Two, where Wrexham were then plying their trade. However, the North Wales side are now in the Championship after registering back-to-back promotions and the 36-year-old has so far made three league appearances this season.
Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+
Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront.
With Kenny no longer in the Ireland hotseat, McClean has not ruled out the possibility of an international return, which could prove awkward if he has to line up next to Azaz.
Speaking to RTE in June last year, McClean said: “Well, first and foremost the call has to come. It’s easy to sit here and say, ‘Ah, no, I’m done,’ or, ‘I’d love to come back.’
“But, until that call comes where you’re being asked to come up and represent your country again – if that call comes – then I’ll have a better answer in my mind. I’ve been going back and forth but until that call comes, I’ll know then and there.”
Whilst McClean was unimpressed with Azaz, most Ireland supporters will likely be grateful as prior to the red card, it seemed they were heading for a disappointing result against Armenia.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side appeared lacking in belief for the opening 52 minutes, only gaining the upper hand once Armenia were down to 10 men.
However, the overall positive evening was slightly tarnished by Hungary’s late equaliser against Portugal, a goal that leaves Ireland third in their group and needing results to go their way, along with two victories of their own, to secure a play-off spot.