Arsenal legend Ian Wright criticises PFA for handling of Premier League pay-cut issue amid coronavirus crisis

Players are adamant that their money should go to charities for the NHS rather than club owners

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticised the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for their “embarrassing” handling of the Premier League’s pay-cut issue.

Last week, the Premier League released a statement confirming the indefinite suspension of the campaign amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, adding that they had agreed with leagues a proposition of 30 per cent pay cuts for players.

There has since been backlash from players, who are adamant that their money should go to charities for the NHS rather than club owners or transfer funds.

And former Arsenal striker Wright has spoken out against the PFA in the ongoing debate.

“It’s embarrassing,” he told BBC Radio Five Live.

“They should be speaking on the frontline, that’s what they are paid for. They are a union.

“The players are paying them to make these decisions.”

Premier League players were criticised for not taking pay cuts sooner while teams from other European leagues accepted wage reductions of up to 70 per cent – some voluntarily.

“The players shouldn’t have to take these bullets,” Wright said.