Republic of Ireland and Wrexham midfielder James McClean has been granted special permission to leave the pitch by the quickest available route to avoid being targeted for his anti-poppy wearing stance.

The English Football League has amended its rules to eradicate or reduce the number of “hate crimes” such as those directed at McClean.

In a letter distributed to all of its member clubs, the EFL has introduced special dispensation enabling those who are the target of racial or religious slurs to take a shortcut to the players’ tunnel if or when they need to leave the field, usually when substituted.

The amendment means players will no longer have to walk along the touchline in front of hostile stands where they can be verbally abused, or, as has been the case with McClean, have items thrown at them.

The governing body insists the rule change is not a specific “James McClean rule” and will be applied amid an increase in incidents across the game involving several players. However, it is clear that McClean’s experiences are a factor in the decision to change the regulations.

The former Wigan, Stoke and Sunderland winger has endured a torrent of abuse for his stance regarding Remembrance Sunday memorials, refusing to wear a poppy because he is an Irish republican. McClean is from Londonderry, where British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians in the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, killing 14. He has said in numerous interviews he is uncomfortable commemorating those who served in the British military.

Hot drink thrown over him

That has led to a backlash on several occasions when McClean has appeared in football stadiums, the most recent example during a fixture against Birmingham City, when he had a hot drink thrown over him as he was leaving the pitch.

Such incidents prompted talks between different stakeholders, including referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, who agreed exceptional measures were appropriate.

The EFL email to clubs 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.”