Leaked document says James McClean is allowed to break EFL rule

A leaked letter revealed the Wrexham captain has received special dispensation from the league.

The 35-year-old will no longer have to leave the pitch at the nearest touchline, the Daily Mail reports.

He will instead be allowed to exit via the shortest route to the tunnel.

EFL lawmakers introduced the rule for the 2019/20 season in a bid to cut down on timewasting and speed up play.

However, McClean has been targeted by opposition supporters at several matches so far this season.

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After consultations between the EFL, Wrexham and PGMOL, a letter was sent to clubs confirming the decision.

According to the report, the letter read: "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 continues: "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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"This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean's departure from the pitch without incident."

McClean was targeted by Birmingham fans during Wrexham's trip to St. Andrew's in September.

A cup of Bovril was thrown at the former Republic of Ireland international as he made his way around the pitch.

He also appeared to be abused by Mansfield supporters at their League One clash on November 9.

McClean had stood away from his teammates during the pre-match moment of silence to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The former Wigan man, as is his right, has opted against wearing a poppy on his shirt as he has done throughout his career.

He previously explained he chooses not to wear the symbol as he feels it would be disrespectful to the people who died during the Troubles in his native Ireland.

McClean has also said he would happily wear a poppy if it was only used to memorialise those who lost their lives solely during World War One and World War Two.