Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Wigan players refuse to train after wages not paid for fifth time this season
Wigan Athletic players have taken a stand as the crisis at the club spirals further.
Wigan Athletic players have reportedly refused to attend training after going unpaid for the fifth time this season. Serious concerns have been raised over the financial situation of the Championship's bottom side who received a three-point penalty for failing to pay their players earlier this week.
Wigan have struggled for form on the field so far this season and currently sit four points adrift at the bottom of the Championship table. However, it has been the financial position at the club that is the biggest worry with players going unpaid on five occasions.
Now, Wigan Today reports that players have refused to attend training today in response to the situation following a group meeting. The club's footballers are said to be keen for fans to understand the true impact of the decision and will stay away until the issue is resolved.
Wigan star Steven Caulker has spoken out about the situation at the club, calling out the 'scandalous lies' of the ownership. In a post on his LinkedIn, the former Tottenham defender wrote: "The lies us as players have been told by Wigan Athletic F.C. is absolutely scandalous.
Just in... Man Utd takeover LIVE as Qatar and Ratcliffe bids ‘set to fall short’ [LIVE]
"There may be a reason for late payment once or twice, but for the boys to have experienced this five times this season is completely unacceptable.
"We are told as players every day that the money is on its way and will "hopefully" reach our account by the afternoon. 14 days later, the money still hasn't arrived.
"Furthermore, what is more concerning is that we are due to be paid again on the 7th April and the club are unable to confirm whether they will have enough funds for this.
Don't miss...
Arsenal fans share Rice theory after seeing video with Saka and Wright [DISCUSSION]
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka's 'Starboy' nickname explained [INSIGHT]
Arsenal chief Edu 'wants Barcelona ace Ilias Akhomach' as talks begin [LATEST]
"Since I arrived at this club I have seen the players and backroom staff work tirelessly to try keep this club in the championship. It's really painful to now see that task become harder and harder with each passing day.
"As the famous saying goes 'Being silent while witnessing an injustice makes you guilty of the oppression as well'.
Well, my position is clear, I stand with the honest hard-working staff and players, whose mental health is now being affected by this."
It remains to be seen whether or not the situation at the club can be resolved before the Latics face QPR at the DW Stadium next weekend.