‘Shameful… absolutely disgraceful’ – Wigan fail to pay wages as fans slam club over statement
WIGAN fans have slammed the club after they announced that the club have been delayed in paying wages.
The Championship side have endured a difficult season on the pitch with relegation back to the third tier a serious concern.
But off the field issues have grown and the club have confirmed that staff have delayed wage payments due to “liquidity issues”.
But fans have been left furious by the timing of the announcement, which was released just after midnight on a Friday.
The statement said: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that there has been a delay in meeting wage obligations.
“Whilst responding to media speculation is not typical of the Club’s standard approach, we would like to assure stakeholders that this is a temporary matter which is promptly being resolved.
“The Club has been disrupted by recent liquidity issues and this continues to be the case, hence the current situation.
“The Club wants to emphasise that the financial strength of our ownership group remains robust and they are committed to supporting the club.”
The statement adds that the EFL is aware of the situation and are making steps to ensure wages are paid promptly.
The statement and timing of it triggered a strong reaction from concerned Latics fans.
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One said on Twitter: “Announcing this at 00:15 on a Friday evening is absolutely shameful.
“Questions need to be asked about the club’s ownership currently.”
Another said: “Absolutely disgraceful from the club this. Had a fans forum little over 48 hours ago where it could have been mentioned then.”
It’s been a tough season for supporters already with popular manager Leam Richardson sacked in October only weeks after being handed a new contract.
His replacement Kolo Toure was then sacked in January after failing to win any of his first nine games.
Former Celtic star Shaun Maloney has now been drafted in to try and save Wigan.
The club now sit bottom of the table and six points from safety with a daunting trip to league leaders Burnley to come.