THE PLAYERS OF third-tier Spanish side Racing Santander refused to play in their Copa del Rey quarter-final, second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday in a dispute with the club’s president Angel Lavin over unpaid wages.
The stricken Cantabrian club, which has spent the majority of its 101-year history in the top flight, is currently in adminstration following two consecutive relegations.
Despite an amazing cup run that has included victories over La Liga sides Sevilla and Almeria, the players haven’t been paid since September.
The squad warned on Monday that they would refuse to play the match if Lavin and the rest of his board didn’t resign.
Both sides took to the field of play and kicked off as normal.
However, after Sociedad had kept possession for a brief spell without any challenge from the Racing players, referee Gil Manzano called the game off when Santander captain Mario Fernandez informed him his side would take no further part.
Sociedad were leading 3-1 from the first leg last week and will now almost certainly be awarded a place in the last four where they will meet Barcelona.
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