Even James McClean was taken aback on Tuesday when it was revealed that the EFL are to allow the Irishman special exemption from some rules for his own protection on the pitch.
McClean has been the subject of repeated, targeted abuse from rival fans for years now, with the Wrexham man's career in the UK partly defined by his clashes with opposition supporters.
After the latest incident of projectiles being thrown at McClean from the crowd earlier this season, the EFL have taken action. It was revealed on Tuesday that a letter has been sent to all EFL clubs, allowing McClean special dispensation from the rule which requires players to leave the pitch at the nearest possible point.
The EFL's letter pointed towards the repeated "racial" or "religious" motivation for the abuse towards McClean, while stating that he would now be allowed to take the shortest route towards the tunnel.
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.
The classification of these incidents as "hate crimes" is a major step up, and the measures taken are welcome for the protection of McClean from the dangers posed to him from the stands.
McClean has spoken publicly on the measures, saying that he found out at the same time as the general public. The 35-year-old also revealed that Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had previously pushed the EFL to find a permanent solution to the worsening issues.
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James McClean says "common sense has prevailed" with EFL protection
Speaking to talkSPORT on Wednesday, James McClean reacted to the news that special dispensation will be in place to protect his safety on the pitch.
McClean said that he had not been aware such measures were coming in until the EFL letter became public, saying:
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 element of anything stupid happening really, common sense has prevailed, let's say!
McClean went on to share the details of a phone call with manager Phil Parkinson after an incident at this September's game against Birmingham.
At St. Andrew's, McClean was subbed off moments after an on-field scuffle and walked past a group of home fans. He was met with the regrettably traditional hostility, before pulling up his shorts to reveal his "Free Derry" tattoo. He was then targeted with a missile - jokingly pretending to drink from the beer cup thrown his way.
James McClean - living rent free in the heads of so many English foot all fans since 2011pic.twitter.com/k1ugPMDfFS
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 17, 2024
McClean revealed to talkSPORT that, after that game at Birmingham, his manager Parkinson had assured him that he would push for a permanent solution to the issue.
The next McClean heard was when news broke publicly on Tuesday.
Despite the repeated targeting from English fans down through the years, James McClean says that he does not feel fear on a football pitch, and will not be slow to defend himself should things ever escalate further.
No...you'll get complete honesty from me, at the end of the day I'm here to do a job. If, in any way, where I feel under pressure or threatened, I'm going to act upon it myself.
If someone comes on the pitch, I'm protecting myself first and foremost. Whatever happens after that happens but I'll make no apologies for it. At the end of the day, I'm here to play football and no-one else has a right to be on the pitch.
Especially if I feel my safety is endangered, then I'm going to act upon it. I'll make no apologies for that because that should never be the case.
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