Wrexham footballer James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel following sustained abuse from opposition supporters.
The EFL’s decision comes after multiple incidents where missiles were thrown at the 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland international, including a recent incident where Birmingham City fans threw a cup of Bovril at him during a League One match, after he’d refused to wear a poppy and stand with his team-mates during a minute’s silence before Remembrance Day.
The move marks an exception to the standard rule introduced in 2019-20 requiring substituted players to exit via the nearest touchline or goal line.
McClean, who plays for the Hollywood-owned Welsh club, has been a frequent target of abuse due to his stance on refusing to wear a Remembrance poppy.
Wrexham footballer James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel following sustained abuse from opposition supporters
PA
The decision follows discussions between the EFL, Wrexham and the PGMOL to address ongoing safety concerns.
In a message to club safety officers seen by the Daily Mail, the EFL acknowledged McClean ‘is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.’
They also said: “It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel.”
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James McClean stood away from his Wrexham team-mates before the recent Remembrance silence
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The new measure aims to reduce incidents and manage McClean’s departure from the pitch safely.
The EFL confirmed that safety officers will be permitted to implement the same process for other players facing similar issues.
A comparable situation arose in September when Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri faced hostility from Leeds supporters after being instructed to walk around three sides of the pitch following his substitution.
James McClean has been regularly abused by fans over his refusal to wear a poppy
PA
McClean, who hails from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, has consistently explained his position on the poppy, which was evident during recent Remembrance Day fixtures when he stood separately from team-mates during the minute’s silence.
His hometown was the site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, where British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, resulting in 14 deaths.
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The midfielder has stated he would willingly wear the poppy if it solely commemorated those who died in the First and Second World Wars.
However, his stance has led to continued targeting from those who view it as disrespecting armed forces members who died in combat.
In April, McClean made headlines after celebrating Wrexham’s promotion from League Two, where he was seen encouraging fans to sing an anti-monarchy song, weeks after Prince William’s visit to the club.
He has made 15 appearances in League One this season, scoring two goals, with Wrexham side currently third in the table.