Manuel Pascali denies Kilmarnock strike claims

MANUEL PASCALI has denied suggestions that the Kilmarnock squad is considering strike action for the game against Celtic on Sunday over a bonus row with chairman Michael Johnson.

Kilmarnock captain Manuel Pascali, pictured in action against Hibs, has denied that the team are due to go on strike. Picture: TSPL

The Rugby Park club captain spoke out on twitter after reports suggested that he and his team mates were considering the strike action as an option in their ongoing dispute with Johnson. He said: “We want to support our rights but we are not stupid. Only strike I know is bowling #gameon.”

His online statement came after reports that PFA lawyer Liam O’Donnell had been brought in for crisis talks with the players to ensure they understood the legal ramifications of the options open to them. O’Donnell is reported to have advised against strike action as it would leave the players in breach of their contracts.

The players and the chairman have been unable to break the impasse, though Michael Johnston insists the team is paid well and a “substantial” bonus would be available should the team finish in a decent position, he said: “The players’ target should be to finish as high as possible then they will have a substantial bonus to share. We are probably paying better basic wages than a number of comparable clubs of our size.”