James McClean to escape further fan 'abuse' as leaked EFL letter reveals special substitution agreement with Wrexham star

McClean is no stranger to controversy and has regularly clashed with supporters and opponents throughout his career. The 35-year-old has even seen objects, including cups of beer, hurled at him while playing for Wrexham. However, action has now been taken in a bid to put a stop to such activity, according to the Daily Mail. It's been revealed that the EFL have written to League One clubs to inform them that McClean will receive "special dispensation" whenever he is substituted. The forward will be allowed to leave the pitch by the shortest route to the tunnel possible in a bid to avoid further unsavoury incidents.

McClean has been in the headlines during his time at Wrexham for mocking Birmingham fans who gave him abuse at St Andrew’s as well as taunting Bolton supporters by nicknaming their ground the 'Toughsh*t Stadium.' He was also caught on video saluting fans who were chanting "he hates the f*cking King" and has deleted anti-monarchy posts from his Instagram. Most recently he has once again taken to social media to outline his poppy stance after refusing to wear one on his Wrexham shirt and standing apart from his team-mates during a minute's silence as part of Remembrance Day.

A letter from the EFL, seen by the Mail, 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."

A rule change in 2019-20 has meant that players who are being substituted must leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line. The rule was implemented in a bid to reduce time-wasting.

Wrexham and McClean will aim to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Stockport last time out when they return to League One action on Saturday against Exeter.