Leaked letter gives Wrexham’s Irish poppy protester James McClean special permission to bypass football’s rules about where players can leave the pitch to escape from abusive fans

Poppy row footballer James McClean has been allowed to leave the field via the shortest route to the tunnel after being assaulted by rival supporters.

The EFL has written to all its clubs telling them that the former Republic of Ireland international, who plays for Wrexham, will now be given special dispensation if he has to leave.

League bosses took action after a series of incidents in which missiles were thrown at the 35-year-old former Wigan, Stoke and Sunderland man and clubs were charged.

From 2019-2020, players being substituted must leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line, as part of an effort to speed up play and reduce wasted time.

However, that will no longer be the case for McClean, who was recently targeted by Birmingham City supporters during a League One match with a cup of Bovril thrown at him as he was withdrawn.

The move follows talks between the EFL, Wrexham and referees’ organization PGMOL. In a message to club security officials, seen by Mail Sport, the EFL wrote: ‘You will be aware that James McClean often faces abuse from certain sections of the support.

McClean stood apart from his Wrexham teammates and observed a moment of silence during the memorial weekend

‘This has resulted in FA sanctions against the club in the past, as the singing was racially or religiously motivated and therefore classified as a hate crime. Rockets have also been thrown.’

They added: ‘It has now been agreed that if Mr McClean has to leave the playing field for any reason in the future, he will leave via the shortest route towards the tunnel. This process will help reduce the number of incidents and also ensure Mr McClean’s departure from the field is incident-free.”

Security officials will have access to the same process if other players are facing similar issues.

There were unsavory scenes in September when Burnley’s former Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri challenged Leeds supporters after being substituted during their Championship match at Elland Road after being told to walk along three sides of the pitch to the dugout .

McClean, from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, stood apart from the Wrexham and Mansfield players and observed a minute’s silence as he refused to wear a poppy during Remembrance Day weekend earlier this month.

The 35-year-old’s hometown, known to Republicans as Derry, was the scene of the infamous 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, in which British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, leaving 14 dead.

McClean has previously said he chooses not to wear a poppy as he believes it shows disrespect for people who died during the Troubles in his home country.

He has previously stated that if the poppy were only used to commemorate those who died solely in the First and Second World Wars, he would be happy to comply with a show of respect.

McClean was seen blowing kisses to Mansfield fans after being abused

Controversial Irish star James McClean greeted Wrexham fans and sang a song featuring the worlds ‘he hates the f***ing King’ as they were promoted to League One

It came just a few weeks after Prince William visited Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground to meet staff and players

However, that decision made him the target of abuse by those who see this view as a slight to members of the armed forces who have died in battle.

In April, McClean celebrated with Wrexham fans following the club’s promotion from League Two.

He was seen urging the crowd to continue singing an anti-monarchy song.

It came just a few weeks after Prince William visited Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground to meet staff and players, and hear how the club has risen since being taken over by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.