PFA oppose more fines to bad boys

The Professional Footballers' Association will "strongly oppose" any moves to increase the maximum amount clubs can fine players.

Chelsea have called for the right to fine players more then the current maximum of two weeks' wages - but PFA deputy chief executive Brendan Batson claims the union will fight any change.

He said: "Two weeks' salary for anyone is a substantial chunk, irrespective of what some might say.

"There is no reason to increase the maximum fine. We would strongly oppose any move to do so."

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson believes harsher fines are the most effective way of deterring - and punishing - any serious misbehaviour.

John Terry and Jody Morris have been fined two weeks' wages for breaching club rules and being in a nightclub at 1.30am less than 48 hours before a match.

Hutchinson told The Times: "There is no question that hitting them in the pockets does make players sit up and take notice, even when it is a fine of two weeks.

"But it is time for football to sit down with the Professional Footballers' Association because it should be more in certain cases.

"Leeds recently fined higher, but that was only with the agreement of the players. That is why we need discussions with the PFA."

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale fined Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer eight and four weeks' wages respectively for breaking the club's drinking rules.

Former Football Association chief executive Graham Kelly has backed a reported plan for established professionals to try and educate young players just starting out in the game about the dangers of life in the spotlight.

According to the Independent, the PFA, in tandem with the League Managers' Association, will propose a scheme possibly featuring former England internationals Tony Adams, Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson touring Premiership and Football League clubs at a summit meeting of football's governing bodies in two weeks' time.

The aim is that by relating experiences of their own problems they will help deter young players from straying into drink or drug-related trouble.

Kelly told BBC Radio Five Live: "(LMA chief) John Barnwell and the respective chief executives have got together and it's something very similar to a phrase you've heard before - education, education, education.

"The clubs have paid lip service to it in the past but haven't really got behind players. They throw a lot of money at them but haven't really given them the protection they deserve.

"I think if it's inculcated (into players) at an early age by people who have almost had their career lost to unpleasant experiences then players will listen.

"Players who've been down this road have a lot to offer to younger players and if one or two learn from it then it's a worthwhile initiative."

Kelly also backed the idea of increasing the maximum fine, adding: "Clubs have got to be able to make discipline stick. They have to make it mean something to the players, this is the only thing players understand.

"There have to be some really tough measures for repeat offenders so it means something to them."

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