In a surprising turn of events, a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, erupted into chaos just two minutes into the match. What was meant to be a low-stakes warm-up game turned into a heated spectacle when Chelsea’s young defender Levi Colwill and Wrexham’s veteran midfielder James McClean engaged in a physical altercation that set the tone for an eventful 2-2 draw. The incident, widely discussed across media and social platforms, highlighted the competitive edge that can spill over even in pre-season encounters.
One year ago today, Levi Colwill vs James McClean 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/H9xtLTZyMj
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 24, 2025
The Incident: A Spark in the Opening Minutes
The match, marking the start of both teams’ pre-season tours in the United States, began with Chelsea maintaining possession in their own half. As 21-year-old Chelsea defender Levi Colwill passed the ball to teammate Benoit Badiashile, Wrexham’s 35-year-old James McClean lunged in with a late, mistimed challenge. Though the contact was minimal, Colwill took immediate exception to the tackle, which he perceived as unnecessarily aggressive for a friendly match. In a flash, Colwill confronted McClean, grabbing the Irishman by the shirt collar, leading to a shoving match that escalated into a mass brawl involving players, coaches, and even Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.
Officials, teammates, and coaching staff rushed to separate the pair, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku notably attempting to pull McClean away. Despite the intensity of the scuffle, the referee opted not to issue cards, likely due to the friendly nature of the game and its early stage. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, became a focal point of post-match discussions, overshadowing the game’s 2-2 result.
Reactions and Aftermath
The clash drew polarized responses from fans, pundits, and the teams involved. Chelsea fans celebrated Colwill’s intensity, with one supporter stating, “Levi Colwill rag-dolling James McClean, one of the most annoying footballers on planet earth 2 minutes into a friendly. Good lad.” Others criticized McClean, a polarizing figure due to past comments and his combative demeanor, with sentiments like, “I absolutely hate James McLean. Well done Colwill.”
Conversely, some neutrals and Wrexham supporters felt Colwill’s reaction was excessive. A commenter argued, “Levi’s response wasn’t justifiable at all, friendly or not… If I’m Maresca, I’m telling Levi to respond in a different way because in the PL that’s a red straight away.” Others pointed out that lower-league teams like Wrexham often rely on physicality to level the playing field against Premier League sides, and McClean’s challenge was par for the course.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, while acknowledging the “fight” in his team, focused on their impressive performance against a Premier League giant. “You have to put it into context, they spent so much money on that team and we were in the National League two years ago and we went toe-to-toe,” he said post-match. McClean, in a subtle dig at Colwill reported days later, refrained from escalating the war of words but hinted at his lack of regret, consistent with his no-nonsense persona.
James McClean training with Boxing royalty Floyd Mayweather Snr in Las Vegas in 2019 🥊 #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/e99QpZNpD4
— WxmAFC (@WxmAFC_com) February 19, 2024
The Bigger Picture: Pre-Season Tensions and Team Dynamics
The brawl, while unusual for a friendly, underscores the competitive nature of football, even in pre-season. For Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the incident highlighted the passion within their young squad but also raised questions about discipline. Colwill’s reaction, while fiery, could have risked a red card in a competitive match, a concern for a team aiming to rebuild after a turbulent 2023/24 season. Maresca will likely use the incident as a teaching moment as he integrates young talents like Colwill into his vision for the club.
For Wrexham, the draw against Chelsea was a testament to their rapid rise under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership. The club, buoyed by the success of their docuseries, has become a fan favourite in North America, and their performance—bolstered by veterans like McClean—showed they can compete with top-tier sides. The clash with Chelsea only added to the narrative of Wrexham’s grit and ambition as they prepare for the 2024/25 League One campaign.
Conclusion
The Levi Colwill and James McClean altercation, though brief, encapsulated the intensity and unpredictability of football. What began as a routine pre-season friendly turned into a talking point that divided fans and highlighted the contrasting styles of a young Premier League prospect and a battle-hardened veteran. As Chelsea and Wrexham move forward in their respective campaigns, the incident serves as a reminder that even in “friendlies,” the competitive spirit of the beautiful game is never far from the surface. For Colwill, it was a chance to show his fire; for McClean, it was business as usual. The football world, as always, watched and debated.
