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Ebbsfleet United players protest unpaid wages with fans at Stonebridge Road

Players at Ebbsfleet United have been joined by their families and fans to protest against unpaid wages.

Members of the team arrived at the club's homeground The Kuflink Stadium in Stonebridge Road this morning to request their money, which is owed from April, in person.

They gathered at the club's reception, where they demanded the money owed to them by the club.

WATCH: Ebbsfleet United players protest over late wages

Their protest with fans comes after the players issued a statement last week confirming they had not received their April wages and accusing club owner Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi of avoiding meetings with them over ongoing pay disputes.

Ebbsfleet later released a statement of their own, denying the allegations which the club labelled as "fantasy".

Among the fans supporting them was David Barry, 72, from Greenhithe, who has been watching Ebbsfleet for the past three years.

“We’re a successful team and have been for the past couple of years," he said.

Ebbsfleet United players requesting payment at the club's reception
Ebbsfleet United players requesting payment at the club's reception

“I’ve been up and down the country watching them against in Truro and Tranmere.

“The situation with the players and their wages has been an absolute disgrace.

"To expect them to go and do their best when not being paid is terrible, but they’ve given everything.

“I’m here today to support the players and what they’ve been through this season.”

Left-right, Ebbsfleet fans David Barry, Sue Barry, and Mick Clark (10184293)
Left-right, Ebbsfleet fans David Barry, Sue Barry, and Mick Clark (10184293)

Mick Clark, 64, of Hammerton Road, has been a fan for 40 years.

He said: “Its an absolute farce. To be paid late for 13 of 15 months is disgusting.

“Anyone else wouldn’t go to work if they didn’t get paid.”

Last week's statement from the team also claimed players had been shown documents relating to money transfers, but that the amounts never arrived.

Ebbsfleet owner Dr Abdulla Al- Humaidi watches his team play Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League at Stonebridge Road on Saturday. Picture: Chris Davey... (10182085)
Ebbsfleet owner Dr Abdulla Al- Humaidi watches his team play Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League at Stonebridge Road on Saturday. Picture: Chris Davey... (10182085)

Dave Archer, managing director of the club, refuted the allegations.

The club issued a separate statement, adding: "We are paying salaries from overseas which can encounter a host of complex requirements which delay funds – we are working hard to improve this.

"Any suggestion of attempts to deliberately mislead may result in legal action."

Since the protest began this morning it's thought three players have received their payments, while seven of the players who are still waiting have been given letters to confirm a payment has been made but has not arrived in their account yet.

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