York City’s Clarke against union breakaway (From York Press)

York City’s Clarke Carlisle against union breakaway

11:44am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Sport

Clarke Carlisle believes a breakaway union to protect the interests of black footballers could be divisive and has called for Rio Ferdinand and Jason Roberts to meet the Professional Footballers’ Association to discuss their aims.

Carlisle, chairman of the PFA and York City defender, revealed he has already had several meetings with Reading striker Roberts, who, along with Ferdinand, refused to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt at last weekend’s Barclays Premier League games.

However, the nature of the proposals surrounding the potential breakaway group, which could sever links with the PFA, are still unknown by the union, and Carlisle has called for the key players to meet and discuss their objectives and issues which have caused the movement to gather momentum.

“I’ve had a number of conversations with Jason over the past few months. The most recent of them was on Sunday and they will continue,” said Clarke.

“The threat is very real because the proposal is there and the discussions have been had so it’s obviously something that has been mooted within the industry.

“We need to know exactly what it is they are wanting.”