Incident in Birmingham City v Wrexham match leads to change to EFL rule

Wrexham star James McClean says 'common sense has prevailed' after the EFL made an amendment to one of their rules following an incident involving McClean and Birmingham City.

Blues faced McClean's Wrexham in September at St Andrew's in September and was on the losing side. Despite going behind to a Jack Marriott goal, Jay Stansfield got his side back on level terms and later put them in front before Tomoki Iwata made sure of the victory.

The match was watched by Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville whilst Tom Brady and Rob McElhenney made the trip from America to witness it. The match attracted a crowd of 27,980 and for the most part was played in good spirits.

McClean played 81 minutes in the match before being substituted, but as he made his way off the pitch, he was allegedly targeted. A Bovril drink could be seen to be thrown in the direction of the Republic of Ireland international's direction. He caught the beverage and later pretended to drink it.

When he was substituted had to make his way at the nearest possible exit, which was right next to home supporters. It was a rule brought in the 2019/20 season to try and cut down on timewasting, as players would sometimes run the clock down before making way for the substitute.

The Daily Mail this week revealed that a ‘leaked letter’ has detailed that the 35-year-old has since received special dispensation for when or if he is substituted, he will be allowed to depart the pitch by the shortest route towards the tunnel.

It 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 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.”

Speaking to talkSPORT to Jim White and Simon Jordan to give his reaction to the news, McClean 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!"

Both clubs were fined for an on-the-field incident. All outfield players were involved in a melee following a confrontation between Alex Cochrane and Paul Mullin. Wrexham were fined £3,750 and Birmingham had a standard penalty charge of £2,500.