'It was quite a shock' - James McClean insists he never asked for special EFL exemption from 'very stupid rule' that will see Wrexham star avoid 'thousands of idiots'

A leaked letter reportedly showed that the EFL has written to League One clubs explaining that McClean has permission to take the shortest route to the tunnel if being substituted during a match. The rules dictate players leave the pitch by the nearest touchline and walk around the field, but the Ireland international does not need to obey it anymore.

McClean's immunity is due to the abuse he receives from rival supporters, including having cups of beer launched at him earlier this season. McClean has also faced abuse because of his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt.

In the letter, the EFL cites the often "racially or religiously motivated" abuse aimed at the 35-year-old and that letting him go directly towards the tunnel or dugout "will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr. McClean's departure from the pitch without incident".

McClean says he did not ask the EFL to grant the exemption, but he is happy about the news. He told talkSPORT: "It's not something I've asked for, so it was quite a shock to see it to be honest. It's definitely welcome because, 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, and, especially, players playing away...and you can get idiots. It's very hard to control thousands of idiots if you're a steward or police if people wanna throw things, if people wanna shout abuse - not everybody can be controlled. It just takes away the [off] anything stupid happening really, common sense has prevailed let's say!"

The Wrexham captain has started all 15 of their League One matches this season and will likely lead the Red Dragons out of the tunnel when they host Exeter this weekend. Wrexham are third in the League One table and four points behind leaders Wycombe, who have a game in hand.