James McClean Fires Back at Claims Following Derry City Absence

Derry City star James McClean has publicly addressed a wave of critical online speculation following his absence from the pitch during Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Galway United. The 36-year-old former Ireland international, who rejoined his hometown club in January, took to Instagram on Saturday to shut down rumors that he had refused to participate in the match.

The controversy ignited after McClean posted a video of himself engaged in boxing training on Saturday morning, occurring just hours after his team suffered their fourth loss of the season. Skeptics online quickly suggested the training footage contradicted official reports from Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch, who had confirmed that both McClean and his brother, Patrick, were ruled out of the squad due to injury.

McClean responded to these claims with characteristic bluntness, labeling the rumors “garbage.”

“Let’s clear this garbage with facts of the matter. 1. This was not this morning. 2. The injury is a long standing chronic injury that affects being able to run (no running here). 3. Call was made by medical specialists. 4. F*** off. Personal favourite tho ‘he refused to play’ halfwits.”

— James McClean, Derry City Player

The veteran midfielder has long been transparent about his passion for boxing, often integrating the discipline into his personal health regimen. McClean has previously escorted professional boxer Mick Conlan to the ring at the 3Arena, an experience he has described as “unbelievable.” His interest in the sport extends beyond training; promoter Kalle Sauerland has confirmed that Misfits Boxing has held discussions regarding a potential future bout for the midfielder.

Despite his current commitment to Derry City, McClean has openly admitted to his shifting sporting loyalties. During an appearance on the Nicky Byrne podcast last year while playing for Wrexham, McClean noted that he harbors a greater passion for boxing than for professional football. He emphasized that he views the potential for a boxing match as a “bucket list” experience, though he acknowledged that his active football contract remains his primary professional obligation.

This is not the first time the midfielder has found himself at the center of public discourse this year. In February 2026, McClean famously refused to conduct media duties following a match, citing a long-standing personal dispute with a specific journalist regarding a 2017 incident.

Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch has officially attributed the absences of both James and Patrick McClean to injury, putting the team in a difficult position as they navigate a challenging start to their campaign. With a chronic injury confirmed as the root cause of his current sideline status, the focus now turns to his recovery timeline and whether his much-publicized interest in the boxing ring will transition from theory to a professional appearance in 2026.