Barnet in turmoil as players threatened with sack after racism claim against staff member

Barnet's entire squad is locked in an extraordinary row with the club over an allegation of racism.

The National League side’s players went on strike after Saturday’s defeat to Stockport and even refused to play in tonight’s game at Southend before changing their minds when they were allegedly threatened with the sack.

The row centres on a claim that a member of the Bees backroom staff racially abused a Stockport player during Saturday’s game.

County’s Ryan Johnson is understood to have told the Barnet players he was called a “monkey”.

Bees captain Jamie Turley subsequently asked his club to ensure the individual was not around the squad at training on Monday.

The Barnet staff member, however, arrived and was told by captain Jamie Turley that the players felt it was not appropriate for him to be around the squad.

The staff member complained and Turley was suspended.

The entire squad in turn reacted angrily and say they initially made it clear to the club's management team that they would not play in Tuesday night's game.

They insist they only changed their minds after being told in a meeting on Monday that some players contracts would be terminated if they followed through with their stance.

Barnet chairman Anthony Kleanthous said: “I have not spoken with the team at all and am not aware of any direct “termination” threat to the players.

“However, it is worth noting that the players are contracted under the standard FA playing contracts to participate in football matches, so I would assume that any threats not to play would be a breach of their contracts and would carry heavy sanctions from the National League.”

The players - who remain united in their support for Turley and the team-mates threatened with the sack - have