SOME Premier League clubs fear they are being pushed into an unwanted war with their players by top-flight rivals.
Teams are alarmed by the PFA’s rejection of the proposal for ALL players to take a wage cut or pay deferral of up to 30 per cent.
Premier League clubs are split over demands for players to take a 30 per cent wage cutCredit: Reuters
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And while some billionaire club owners are ready for a confrontation, others want to ease off and reach an amicable compromise agreement with the players’ union, who fear the wage-cut proposal will cost the Government £200million in lost taxes.
More talks are planned this week and a number of chief executives are looking to take the heat out of the situation.
But there is a growing feeling that at least three clubs are looking to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis to slash their annual wage bills.
PFA bosses are angry their members are being singled out for criticism after Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth put non-playing staff on furlough.
Top-flight stars feel they are being blamed for the actions of owners who are asking the taxpayer to pick up the tab for their lowest-paid workers.
The majority are willing to take a raincheck on their monthly wages to help colleagues.
But they remain furious with the clubs for the way they have tried to force them into wage cuts and deferrals.
SunSport says
SUNSPORT today calls on FA chairman Greg Clarke to stop English football ripping itself apart.
Prem clubs and the players, led by PFA boss Gordon Taylor, are now at daggers drawn over a response to coronavirus — the greatest threat the nation has faced since World War Two.
Football’s refusal to find a solution recognising the gravity of the situation has put its reputation at risk.
The public want the sport to play its part by making sacrifices like millions of Brits. But instead the issue is now a war of words.
Clarke (left) has the trust of top-flight clubs after years on the board at Leicester and the Football League.
Now he can be a voice of reason and measured intent in order to prevent irrecoverable damage to the game.
But they remain furious with the clubs for the way they have tried to force them into wage cuts and deferrals.
They are also unhappy at the Prem’s proposal they could lose 30 per cent of their annual salary if the season is completed behind closed doors.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney summed up the growing mood of militancy when he said: “The whole profession has been put on the spot with a demand for 30 per cent pay cuts across the board.
“How the past few days have played out is a disgrace. It feels as if this is a move to shame the players and force them into a corner where they have to pick up the bill for lost revenue. It is now a no-win situation.”
Fellow Manchester United legend Gary Neville blasted the Prem for ‘handling the coronavirus crisis terribly’.
He said: “Football has too many stakeholders with different interests.
“They say they collaborate but when the s*** hits the fan the PL have the power and go solo! It’s unraveling before our eyes.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker added: “The PFA haven’t been brilliant so far but the players I’ve spoken to are desperately keen to help out.
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“Lots of footballers will already be giving.”
One example of this is the attempt by the 20 Prem captains to set up a fund for the NHS.
They are due to have further talks today via a WhatsApp group.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
