Republic of Ireland and Wrexham midfielder James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch by the quickest available route to avoid being targeted for his anti-poppy wearing stance.

The Derry man, who currently plays for Wrexham FC, has been on the receiving end of abuse by home and away fans over the years for his refusal to wear a poppy

James McClean has been given special permission to make a beeline for the tunnel when leaving the pitch, to avoid being abused for refusing to wear a poppy. The EFL have taken special measures to reduce ‘hate crimes’ following a number of incidents involving the Wrexham winger.

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Wrexham captain James McClean will be allowed to leave the pitch using the shortest route to the tunnel in a bid to improve his safety due to the supporter abuse he receives. The English Football League (EFL) has written to the safety officers at all 72 of its clubs to inform them of McClean’s exemption,

JAMES McCLEAN has been given special permission to break EFL rules to avoid being abused by rival fans. The Wrexham star, 35, is regularly targeted by opposition supporters when he goes off the

As reported by The Daily Mail, a letter from the EFL has given McClean permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel. Since the 19/20 season, players who are being substituted have to leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line in a bid to speed up the match and cut down time wasting.

Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has been given special dispensation to bypass the EFL’s rule that players must leave the pitch by the nearest point when substituted after he was targeted by rival supporters in the wake of his decision not to wear a poppy on his shirt.