Kilmarnock chairman defends player fines

Published on Tuesday 10 November 2009 21:22

KILMARNOCK chairman Michael Johnston has defended his controversial new disciplinary system, insisting it is not draconian.

Johnstone is surprised the squad have consulted the players' union over the introduction of a 500 fine for a red card and 1,000 punishment for a repeat offence. After Saturday's 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat to Dundee United, one player branded the intended fines "unacceptable – some players don't get much more than that as a weekly wage."

Johnston revealed the policy, which he insists is "discretionary", was brought in to combat the club's poor disciplinary record. He hailed it as a success, claiming only 150 had been taken out of players' pockets so far this term.

"I'm not sure why this has caused a stir all of a sudden," he said, claiming he would be happy to discuss the matter with PFA Scotland chief Fraser Wishart. "I haven't heard from the SPFA, Fraser Wishart or any player. The manager has not come to me saying there is a problem about it. These penalties are not draconian so I am not sure why this in the public domain. I prepared some paperwork which was put to Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown at the start of the season, which I am assuming they discussed with the players. Then the final version was issued to the players on 14 August."

Johnston said players would not be fined for picking up cards if it helped the Killie cause, citing goal-line handballs as one example, and salaries would be taken into account so no-one would facing losing most or all of his weekly wage.

Kilmarnock were docked 5,000 for having the worst disciplinary record in the SPL last season and Johnston says that would be doubled if they are in a similar position this term.