James McClean ‘shocked’ but says ‘common sense prevailed’ as EFL give him special exemption
James McClean has told talkSPORT that ‘common sense prevailed’ after he was given an exemption to break an EFL rule. The Wrexham captain admitted he was as shocked as fans when he came across a leaked letter detailing his special dispensation. James McClean has been given permission to break a rule by the EFLGetty McClean has been told that he no longer has to leave the pitch at the nearest touchline and 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 over his refusal to wear a poppy around Remembrance Sunday. After consultations between the EFL, Wrexham and PGMOL, a letter was sent to clubs confirming the decision. The letter, which was shared widely online and reported across the media, 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. “This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.” McClean reacted to the announcement during an interview with talkSPORT host Jim White, in which he welcomed the news. Speaking on White & Jordan, the 35-year-old said: “It’s not something I’ve asked for, so it was quite a shock to see it to be honest. GettyThe Wrexham star can now leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel[/caption] “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!” 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. Why James McClean doesn't wear a poppy While playing for Sunderland in 2012, McClean respectfully decided against wearing the poppy around Remembrance Day. The ex-Republic of Ireland international was born, and grew up in, the Northern Ireland city of Derry – which was the site of the Bloody Sunday tragedy. In 1972, 14 civilians in McClean’s hometown were killed by British soldiers during a protest march. McClean’s stance is that if the poppy was purely a symbol to honour soldiers from World War 1 and 2 then he would wear it. However, the winger, who has a tattoo of the ‘Free Derry’ landmark on his left thigh, believes the poppy commemorates all British military activity and therefore would be disrespectful to those who died in the Troubles. McClean has clarified his stance on the poppy many times McClean revealed after this match Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson approached him to reveal the club was seeking special dispensation from the league. He added to talkSPORT: “I didn’t know about it [the letter]. “A couple of weeks ago the manager pulled me after the Birmingham incident that they were looking into doing something. “As weeks have gone by I didn’t hear anything, didn’t really pay attention, to be honest, and then yesterday when it broke I’ve seen it like everyone else and it’s welcome. “That’s a credit to the manager and the club because they’ve seen what’s happened at Birmingham and they took action. “Like I said, that’s not something I’ve asked for but it’s something that I welcome quite clearly.” In addition to the Birmingham ordeal, McClean 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. McClean has been the subject of abuse from rival fans and on social mediaGetty The former Wigan man, as is his right, has opted against wearing a poppy on his shirt as he has done throughout his career. When asked by talkSPORT host White whether he ever feared the verbal abuse would lead to physical aggression, McClean said
James McClean has told talkSPORT that ‘common sense prevailed’ after he was given an exemption to break an EFL rule.
The Wrexham captain admitted he was as shocked as fans when he came across a leaked letter detailing his special dispensation.
McClean has been told that he no longer has to leave the pitch at the nearest touchline and 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 over his refusal to wear a poppy around Remembrance Sunday.
After consultations between the EFL, Wrexham and PGMOL, a letter was sent to clubs confirming the decision.
The letter, which was shared widely online and reported across the media, 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.
“This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.”
McClean reacted to the announcement during an interview with talkSPORT host Jim White, in which he welcomed the news.
Speaking on White & Jordan, the 35-year-old said: “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!”
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.
Why James McClean doesn't wear a poppy
While playing for Sunderland in 2012, McClean respectfully decided against wearing the poppy around Remembrance Day.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international was born, and grew up in, the Northern Ireland city of Derry – which was the site of the Bloody Sunday tragedy.
In 1972, 14 civilians in McClean’s hometown were killed by British soldiers during a protest march.
McClean’s stance is that if the poppy was purely a symbol to honour soldiers from World War 1 and 2 then he would wear it.
However, the winger, who has a tattoo of the ‘Free Derry’ landmark on his left thigh, believes the poppy commemorates all British military activity and therefore would be disrespectful to those who died in the Troubles.
McClean revealed after this match Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson approached him to reveal the club was seeking special dispensation from the league.
He added to talkSPORT: “I didn’t know about it [the letter].
“A couple of weeks ago the manager pulled me after the Birmingham incident that they were looking into doing something.
“As weeks have gone by I didn’t hear anything, didn’t really pay attention, to be honest, and then yesterday when it broke I’ve seen it like everyone else and it’s welcome.
“That’s a credit to the manager and the club because they’ve seen what’s happened at Birmingham and they took action.
“Like I said, that’s not something I’ve asked for but it’s something that I welcome quite clearly.”
In addition to the Birmingham ordeal, McClean 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.
When asked by talkSPORT host White whether he ever feared the verbal abuse would lead to physical aggression, McClean said simply: “No Jim.
“You’ll get complete honesty from me, at the end of the day I’m there to do a job and in any way if I feel under pressure or threatened I’m gonna act upon it myself because I’m not dirty.
“So if someone was on the pitch, at the end of the day I’m protecting myself first-and-foremost, and that happens but I make no apologies for that because at the end of the day I’m there to play football – no one else has a right to be on the pitch.
“Especially if I feel my safety is endangered then I’m gonna act upon it, and like I said, I’ll make no apologies for that because it should never be the case.”
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