James McClean now allowed to leave pitch via fastest route - reports

Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel after several instances where he has endured verbal abuse from supporters, according to reports in UK media.

The 35-year-old Wrexham midfielder - who retired from Ireland duty a year ago - has been the subject of persistent abuse due to his long-time refusal to wear a poppy to mark Remembrance Day.

The Derryman stood separately from Wrexham and Mansfield players as they observed a minute's silence before their League One clash on 9 November.

Afterwards he posted on his Instagram account: "The poppy represents for me an entire different meaning to what it does for others, am I offended by someone wearing a poppy? No absolutely not, what does offend me tho (sic), is having the poppy try be forced upon me.

"The poppy which originally stood for world war 1 and 2 has now been adopted into honouring and remembering British soldiers that have served in all conflicts throughout the world including those who opened fire and murdered 14 innocent civilians on bloody Sunday Jan 1972, in my home city, as well many other brutal crimes throughout Ireland

"That is why I never have and never will wear a poppy. If the poppy's sole purpose was to honour world war 1 and 2 then i would have no issue wearing it, but thats not the case."

The Daily Mail are among several UK outlets who have reported that organising body the English Football League (EFL) has written to all clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two informing them McClean will receive special dispensation when he leaves the field of play.

Ordinarily, substituted players must leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line.