Late payment of wages causes unrest in Tynecastle squad

HEARTS’ media black-out, imposed after manager Paulo Sergio was held to account by the Scottish Football Association over remarks about referee Iain Brines, meant that the club was unavailable for comment yesterday about the issue of unpaid salaries.

A statement on the club website on Friday said that some senior players were still awaiting their money, but would be “paid over the next few days”. The delay in depositing wages in players’ bank accounts has dogged the club for some time, and players have become uneasy about the situation.

Some players are now considering taking action over the regular delays, having not received satisfactory reasons from the club for the cause of the delay, or an exact date when their salaries will reach their bank accounts. Players are reluctant to put their heads above the parapet as individuals, and could instead take collective action. Some have already contacted the players’ union, PFA Scotland, for advice on how to tackle the matter.

“We are aware of the situation with late payments and have spoken to a number of our members who are unhappy,” said PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart. “They do have access to our employment law specialist.”

In a statement released on Friday, the club said: “We have spoken with the players and made them aware of the situation. We are grateful for their patience and they know they will be paid in the near future.”