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 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.

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.

James McClean will be allowed to make a sharp exit up the tunnel in future to avoid fan abuse for his refusal to wear a poppy. Special measures have been taken by the Football League to try to reduce ‘hate crimes’ given the number of incidents that have occurred involving the Wrexham wide man.