Cork player strike threat 'only' an online rumour

A Cork City FC spokesman last night rubbished claims that there was a threat of strike action from the club’s players over a dispute surrounding pay for their upcoming Setanta Cup encounter with Cliftonville.

Discussions have taken place between players and staff over payment for the two-legged tie, but any threat of a walkout appears to be untrue despite claims from former player George O’Callaghan on Twitter.

The players’ contracts, as is the norm within the League of Ireland, don’t begin until the league kicks-off in March, with many finding part-time work or signing on for social welfare payments over the off-season.

They are looking for remuneration for the Cliftonville games on February 11 and 18, and although there was an initial stand-off, both sides are communicating and a resolution is expected in the coming days.

 “There is no threat of strike action whatsoever,” a spokesperson said. “The players are preparing for the game as normal and they will be still in for training tomorrow morning.”

“What has been posted by a couple of people on Twitter is completely untrue, I'm not sure where those who have been posting online have gotten their information. There are discussions over money surrounding the Setanta Cup game but the word strike or anything even close to that hasn’t been mentioned once.”

There had been rumours of PFAI involvement in the discussions, but the spokesperson also denied that was the case. “The PFAI haven’t got involved in the discussions as far as I know. It is being dealt with between the club and the players and as far as we are concerned it’s only a small thing that will be sorted out without any problems.”

The PFAI couldn't be contacted by phone.

Speculation of a strike arose when former player O’Callaghan, who has been a critic of manager Tommy Dunne and club owners FORAS in the past, tweeted: “Does anyone know who will replace cork city in setanta cup if players go on strike for it?” (sic)

Within minutes, left-back Danny Murphy responded by rubbishing the claims: “don't be writing things that you don't know the full truth about what's going on it ain't helping anyone” (sic)