Former Ireland international James McClean has welcomed a new rule introduced by the EFL, allowing him to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel instead of walking to the far touchline if abuse from supporters persists.
McClean, a Derry native, has been subjected to verbal abuse and taunts multiple times, particularly for his stance on not wearing the poppy. Earlier this month, during Wrexham's match against Mansfield Town, fans and players observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day. While players from both sides wore the symbolic poppy—a commemorative flower for military personnel who died in wars—McClean once again opted not to wear it, a choice he has explained annually.
This week, a letter leaked to the Daily Mail from the EFL to safety officers stated: “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.”
The letter continued: “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.”
McClean, who has frequently voiced his frustration at the lack of action from the FA and other organisations, welcomed the move but clarified that he never requested this "special exemption."
James McClean will now be allowed to leave the pitch using the shortest route to the tunnel in a bid to improve his safety due to the abuse he receives
This is what anti-Irish behaviour in the stands of English football has led to… pic.twitter.com/X8eD3Dug3v
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) November 19, 2024
“It’s not something I’ve asked for, so it was quite a shock to see it, to be honest,” McClean told Talksport this week. “It’s definitely welcome—not just for me, but for anyone.
“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, especially players playing away. You can get idiots.”
While McClean acknowledged that it’s impossible to control every individual, he praised the move as a victory for common sense.
“It’s very hard to control thousands of idiots if you’re a steward or police officer. If people want to throw things or shout abuse, not everyone can be controlled.
“This just takes away the risk of anything stupid happening, really. Common sense has prevailed, let’s say.”
When asked by Talksport’s Jim White if he had requested the letter, McClean emphasised that he had not. Instead, he credited Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson for pushing for action after an incident at Birmingham City earlier in the season. The former Ireland player had a bottle of Bovril thrown at his head in September.
“No, I didn’t know about it. A couple of weeks ago, the manager called me after the Birmingham incident and said they were looking into doing something.
“As the weeks went by, I didn’t hear anything and didn’t really pay attention, to be honest. Then yesterday, when it broke, I saw it like everyone else.
“Like I said, it’s welcome, and that’s credit to the manager and the club. They saw what happened in Birmingham and took action. It’s not something I asked for, but it’s something I welcome.”
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