Nov 21,2024
Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel after several instances where he has endured verbal abuse from supporters.
The Wrexham captain welcomed the move, but said it was not something he sought.
"It's not something I've asked for, so it was quite a shock to see it to be honest. It's definitely welcome because, not just for me, but for anyone," McClean told TalkSport.
"I find that a very stupid rule anyway - leaving the pitch at the nearest exit - you're putting yourself in a situation where players have to walk around the outside of the pitch, and, especially, players playing away...and you can get idiots.
"It's very hard to control thousands of idiots if you're a steward or police if people want to throw things, if people want to shout abuse - not everybody can be controlled.
"It just takes away anything stupid happening really, common sense has prevailed let's say."
The 35-year-old Wrexham midfielder - who retired from Ireland duty a year ago - has been the subject of persistent abuse due to his long-time refusal to wear a poppy to mark Remembrance Day.
The Derryman stood separately from Wrexham and Mansfield players as they observed a minute's silence before their League One clash on 9 November.
Afterwards he posted on his Instagram account: "The poppy represents for me an entire different meaning to what it does for others, am I offended by someone wearing a poppy? No absolutely not, what does offend me tho (sic), is having the poppy try be forced upon me.
"The poppy which originally stood for world war 1 and 2 has now been adopted into honouring and remembering British soldiers that have served in all conflicts throughout the world including those who opened fire and murdered 14 innocent civilians on bloody Sunday Jan 1972, in my home city, as well many other brutal crimes throughout Ireland
"That is why I never have and never will wear a poppy. If the poppy's sole purpose was to honour world war 1 and 2 then i would have no issue wearing it, but thats not the case."
He had a cup of Bovril thrown at him in September at Birmingham City as he walked around the pitch after being substituted.
Organising body the English Football League (EFL) has written to all clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two informing them McClean will receive special dispensation when he leaves the field of play.
Ordinarily, substituted players must leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line. McClean will now head to the tunnel as quickly as possible.
A letter sent by the EFL to its clubs reads: "You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.
"This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the Club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. Missiles have also been thrown.
"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. This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean's departure from the pitch without incident."
