Players' union apologises to ex-Gillingham footballer Mark McCammon over race row case
Mark McCammon was awarded
£68,000 in damages from the Gills
by Alan McGuinness
Former Gillingham striker Mark McCammon has received an apology
from the Professional Footballers' Association over their handling
of his case against the club.
The 34-year-old was told by the union it would not pursue
his case against the club, who dismissed him for gross
misconduct.
McCammon eventually
took the club to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal,
failure to pay wages, breach of contract and race
victimisation.
He won - and was awarded £68,000 in
damages.
The club deny the allegations and have appealed against the
judgement.
PFA chairman Clark Carlisle said: "We acted in good faith but
Gordon [Taylor, PFA chief executive] is very hands on.
"He has apologised because one of our members was unhappy with
the service that was offered to him.
"Even if we have methods which are in the best interests of our
members, there is always an exception to the rule."
The row came to a head in a confrontation between McCammon and
then manager Andy Hessenthaler, pictured left, in his office.
It was after the striker and his two housemates, Curtis Weston
and Josh Gowling, were ordered to come into training, despite what
they claimed were "treacherous conditions".
McCammon told KentOnline: "What I experienced was disgraceful
and the PFA is a union that should be there for the players
100%.
"Whenever players have grievances or problems with a football
club representatives should be there for them
"I had a meeting with Gordon Taylor [PFA chief executive] and he
was slightly embarrassed with the way his representatives handled
the case and I'm glad he addressed everything and accepted it could
have been handled better and dealt with it in a more appropriate
way."
13/12/12
- Click here for more Medway news...
- Click here for more news from across the county...