PREMIER LEAGUE stars reportedly went ‘ballistic’ after finding out about 30% pay cuts via public announcement as the row rumbles on amid the coronavirus crisis.
Footie aces were left shocked at the failure to consult with the PFA over the crunch talks regarding pay reduction following the indefinite suspension of the top flight.
In a public statement on April 3, Premier League chiefs and club executives proposed that players take a wage cut or deferral of up to 30 per cent designed to stave off financial meltdown caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The statement had not been run past the 20 Premier League captains or the PFA.
And according to The Independent, clubs had talked themselves down from an initial figure of 40 per cent in the four-hour long video conference before the statement was released.
A source told The Independent, that players went “ballistic” that they were not consulted over the proposal.
The same source described it as a “spectacular failure” in terms of communication from Premier League clubs, which really “alienated” players.
Prem aces refused the proposal and insisted that they wanted to help the NHS rather than rich owners.
Players wanted to be sure the proceeds of any wage cut would guarantee staff at their clubs receive 100 per cent of their wages, support EFL and non-league clubs, and help fund “the real heroes” of the NHS.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Watford captain Troy Deeney and West Ham skipper Mark Noble led the fightback in a video conference.
Former Manchester United ace Gary Neville, blasted the Premier League for blindsiding players following the statement.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also chimed in and demanded that Prem aces take a pay cut to do their bit in the fight against coronavirus.
Newcastle, Norwich, Bournemouth and Tottenham have all furloughed members of their non-playing staff while Liverpool did so before sheepishly backtracking.
Top-flight stars felt they were 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 rain check 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.
Skippers of all 20 teams have, however, manage to hash out a deal where players donate to help the NHS.
Sun Sport told you last week, that players from most Prem sides will accept wage deferrals — NOT cuts — and with deductions only starting from July.
Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has warned the club will go bust in August if the football lockdown has not ended by then with £50million of revenue and TV cash on the line.
Bournemouth have expressed similar concerns and only West Ham and Southampton have so far agreed wage cuts with their players.
Arsenal stars rejected a 12.5 per cent pay cut across the next year between April 2020 and March 2021.
And players have been warned by Gunners chief Raul Sanllehi that they face more wage cuts if the Premier League season is voided – much to the anger of players.
More Prem sides are expected to announce agreements with players over wage deferrals and wage cuts in the coming week.
