David Artell says it is extremely unfair to blame the EFL if the financial issue at Macclesfield results in our fixture being cancelled off this weekend.
The Macclesfield Town players are refusing to play over unpaid wages and have been on strike over the past week as they express their point to their owner Bashar Alkadhi. There is great sympathy in the sport for the players, staff and matchday staff not being paid, especially with Christmas on the horizon. Crewe have prepared as normal for the fixture.
The Alex boss says the blame rests with the owner and his mismanagement of the Cheshire club.
David told the club’s official website: “The EFL will be doing all they can to resolve the issue. I would think they have been in communication with them over many months and they are not to blame. It is not their fault. That is at the feet of one man and his mismanagement.
“It is another example of a club getting into a financial mess because of bad ownership. I am sure there will be people pointing to the EFL’s fit and proper test - but I would imagine anyone could pass that if they have the funds in place and no criminal record.
“Let’s not forget that he funded a promotion out of the National League and there was no major issue then about him being fit and proper.
“There are plenty of things that can be done and the punishment should be more severe. There needs to be a bigger deterrent in place.
The boss added: “I hope it can be resolved because we want to play a game of football. It was the same at Accrington in the FA Cup for very different reasons. We were there and we wanted to play the game and get it finished. “