Strike by Cleveland players forces cancellation of Arena League game against Pittsburgh

CLEVELAND – A strike by players forced the cancellation of an Arena Football League game between the Cleveland Gladiators and Pittsburgh Power.

Shortly before the scheduled 8 p.m. kickoff at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland’s franchise announced the game would not be played. Gladiators players are protesting working conditions and the lack of substantive collective bargaining. AFL Players Union executive director Ivan Soto said Friday the work stoppage would last until midnight.

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The Gladiators released a statement expressing their concern for fans and said they were “doing everything in our control to play games and continue competing for wins on the field.” The team said the league is focused on resolving the labour situation.

Replacement players were used in the season opener between Pittsburgh and Orlando after a job action by players from both teams.

The Gladiators are owned by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert.