SPL set to throw the book at Hearts as manager and players go unpaid for second month

Hearts have already been punished with a transfer embargo from the game’s governing body following the delay in paying wages last month – but could now be facing even tougher sanctions as a result of their latest transgression.

In September half a dozen of the team’s top earners did not receive their salary with the rest of the squad and manager McGlynn, plus his coaching staff, also having to go without their money for three days.

The same players are understood to have suffered the same delay this month along with McGlynn and Hearts, who now have 48 hours to admit wages have not been paid on time, appear to be on collision course with SPL chiefs.

The issue was discussed at an SPL meeting on September 24 and while no punishment other than the transfer ban has been handed out as yet, this latest misdemeanour could see league chief make an example of Vladimir Romanov’s side.

The Tynecastle club have blamed their inability to pay their players on time on a delay in an expected £300,00 payment from the SPL for broadcasting and sponsorship money.

However last season they also paid their wages late on four different occasions and Hearts players complained to the PFA Scotland about the situation while Ryan Stevenson – who has since re-signed for the Gorgie club – quit Tynecastle for Ipswich Town where he was assured of regular payment.

As a result the club were charged with “failing to behave with the utmost faith towards the SPL” and were told that the SPL would take a dim view of any further wage  delays.