PLAYERS at Bolton Wanderers are boycotting tomorrow’s friendly against St Mirren because of unpaid wages and bonuses.

A statement issued from the squad via The Bolton News this evening states players have taken a stand over what they feel is “totally unacceptable” treatment from the club.

It is understood the wages of one player plus bonuses applicable to the whole of last season's squad were not paid in June.

A promise that the funds would reach players' accounts by this morning (Friday) has also not been honoured.

It is the first time in Bolton's history a game has been cancelled as a result of industrial strike action.

The players' statement read: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we as a team have decided with deep regret we will not be playing tomorrow’s game against St Mirren.

“We have been put in an impossible positon which has forced our decision, and we would like to explain our reasons why.

“Over the past two seasons we as a club have experienced unprecedented success in first achieving promotion to the Championship, then staying in the league last season.

“This was achieved despite extremely difficult circumstances. All players, current and past, who were contracted to the club have contributed to this success.

“Over the course of the two years on numerous occasions contracted players have not been paid on time. This has culminated in certain players not receiving their June wage.

“On each occasion this has happened we have received no notification or an explanation as to why. We feel this is totally unacceptable after a huge effort from everybody over the last two seasons.

“Regrettably, as a group, this has led to the decision. We unreservedly apologise to any supporters that have made plans to come and watch the game.”

Wanderers have declined to go into detail over their reasons for not paying bonuses but found similar issues 12 months ago.

In July last year staff and players were left without their promotion payments – with Anderson citing the uncertainty between his then co-owner Dean Holdsworth and finance company BluMarble, who had issued a winding-up order against the former striker’s company, Sports Shield BWFC.

Former full-back Dean Moxey voiced his upset on social media at the time, prompting the following comments from chairman, Ken Anderson.

“Going forward, I will be looking at how and when bonuses are paid in the future as the timing has an adverse affect on our cash flow as we are paying out the bonuses before we have received any monies from the EFL and at a time when little or no funds are being generated.

“You can imagine the problem it would cause if we were fortunate enough to be promoted to the Premier League this season where bonuses at most clubs run into millions.

“I have to say I thought the comments on social media from Dean Moxey were disappointing and unnecessary, particularly from a player who has been paid handsomely based on the number of games he started last season.

“As far, as I am aware, the salaries have not been paid late every month as he has stated.”

Wanderers' opponents St Mirren apologised to fans following the cancellation and confirmed supporters could collect refunds from the club's ticket office from Monday.

A statement said: "St Mirren Football Club regrets to announce that tomorrow's match against Bolton Wanderers has been cancelled.

"We would like to stress that this is completely out with our control and we are desperately disappointed that this has occurred. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause."

Reparation will also be due to the Scottish club for the late cancellation, although it is unclear if Wanderers will look to recompense fans who have travelled to St Mirren.