Hearts wage saga could stretch into next week

Another day passed yesterday without receipt of salaries in bank accounts, and players have been told that the situation could drag on beyond the weekend.

They are now considering their options, having already been in contact with the players’ union, PFA Scotland, who are keeping a watching brief on the situation.

The players were first supposed to have been paid on 16 October, and although some of the younger playing staff have received their wages, senior players are still waiting. They were spoken to by Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas on Friday, to explain the situation, but no definite date of payment for the outstanding monthly salaries could be given by way of assurance.

This week, players believed they would receive their money by yesterday and kept an eye on their accounts throughout the day, but were disappointed to find that no payment was processed. Non-playing staff received their money earlier this week.

If a complaint is made by the Hearts players, it could be lodged with the Scottish Premier League. It is understood that it would be on a collective basis to show unity, and to avoid individuals getting on the wrong side of their employers.

Delays in payment of wages have become a regular occurrence at Tynecastle, and it appears that on this occasion the players’ patience with the unresolved problem has run out.

One player, who did not want to be named, said earlier this week: “It’s water off a duck’s back to them now. We just want to be paid our basic wage – it’s not as though we are talking about bonuses – and I think people should understand that

Hearts’ next match is at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday.