Hearts skipper Steven Naismith accepts request to take 50% pay cut | OneFootball

Steven Naismith has proven, yet again, that he is one of football’s most socially conscious players by accepting a 50% pay cut to help Hearts survive the COVID-19 crisis.

The club captain released a statement explaining his decision, as well as committing to remaining at Tynecastle Park no matter where they end up next season.

Hearts were rooted to the foot of the Scottish Premiership table when games were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In his statement, Naismith said: “Like my team-mates, I’ve been thinking a lot about the request from Hearts to reduce our wages by 50% to help the club and protect as many jobs as possible during this uncertain period.

“I have discussed it at great length with my family.

“The current circumstances put everyone in a very difficult position, but this isn’t a problem of Hearts’ making.

“My family and I feel that, through a long career, football has been very good to us. Therefore, I personally feel that I can and should accept the 50% reduction in wages.

“I hope this can contribute in some way to the long-term survival of the club at a challenging time and save jobs, especially those that are the lowest earners and hence those who will be struggling the most at this time.”

It’s not the first time Naismith has shown himself to be selfless.

During his time at Everton, he routinely bought match tickets which were then donated to unemployed fans of the Toffees.

Naismith’s decision comes after Hearts manager Daniel Stendel confirmed on Friday that he would be waiving his wages for the rest of the season.