Schofield's compensation will be determined on 12 May

Lancashire County Cricket Club feel they were right to sack Chris Schofield despite losing an unfair dismissal case against the former England leg-spinner.

A tribunal ruled on Friday that Lancashire had not followed procedure before releasing Schofield in 2004.

"The tribunal said it was not unfair we dismissed him - they found against the procedure.

"We still feel what we did was in the best interests of the player and the club," chief executive Jim Cumbes said.

"I am sure all sports - professional rugby, professional soccer and all the rest - will have a long look at this and think about how it affects them."

Lancashire have disappointed by forcing this case all the way to a tribunal PCA chief executive Richard Bevan

The Manchester employment tribunal was at pains to stress its judgement should not be seen as a precedent for future employment disputes.

But Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, believes the ruling could have long-term ramifications.

"What has come out from this is that sport, not just cricket, is not above employment law," warned Bevan. "That was very clearly laid down.

"I am sure that around the counties they will all be tightening up their employment procedures - that is going to have to happen.

"The appraisals have only been in for a short spell of time and hopefully we can all learn from Chris's situation."

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Cricket has introduced an appraisal system to make players aware of their objectives and requirements - which was where Lancashire slipped up.

"There is a new contract in place and with the majority of counties as far as we are aware, at least two appraisals take place every season - the Lancashire committee have disappointed by forcing this case all the way to a tribunal," claimed Bevan.