Expert is ‘perplexed’ as Barnsley star becomes unlikely villain after gesture to Wrexham fans at full-time
After a dire first-half showing, Phil Parkinson’s side stepped up and put in a spirited effort to turn the game back in their favour, but were unable to make a decisive breakthrough.
There is debate as to whether Wrexham deserved the defeat or not, but one thing is clear: Wrexham fans are not happy with Corey O’Keefe.
Corey O’Keefe angers Wrexham fans at full-time after Barnsley win
O’Keefe is one of Barnsley’s key threats on the pitch, and he certainly put in another solid showing on Wednesday afternoon.
But, after the full-time whistle blew, the defender ventured over to the away stand at Oakwell and offered an incendiary wave to the Wrexham fans who had made the trip, and it’s safe to say the gesture did not go down well.
Taking to Twitter/X to discuss the incident, the folks at the Fearless in Devotion podcast questioned O’Keefe’s motives, and poked fun at the Barnsley man’s career in retaliation.
They wrote: “Still perplexed why Corey O’Keefe sought out the Wrexham fans at the end of the game. Zero beef with him before, as far as we’re aware?
“This is a man who’s had a stellar career at (checks notes)… Solihull, Macclesfield, Mansfield, Rochdale and a relegation with Forest Green. Enlighten us! Maybe he was waving us farewell to promotion…or telling us to calm down after just a 4th defeat in 24 matches?”’
In fairness, one fan in the comments section did point out that O’Keefe was manhandled by Wrexham skipper, James McClean, back in December in the reverse fixture, and may have been subjected to some stick from the fans at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham’s reputation makes them a huge target for everyone now
It is no secret that, since the takeover of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham have become immensely more popular, and also, have become the target of other clubs wanting to bring them down a peg or two.
With all the money invested in the club, and the incredible success Wrexham have achieved so quickly, it’s natural to have their fair share of detractors.
At the end of the day, though, all the Wrexham squad, coaching staff, and indeed the fans need to worry about is getting results, earning points, and getting promoted once more.
