Fans are worried that statements made by owner Vladimir Romanov suggest he is getting disillusioned with football in this country. The statement issued by Hearts on Friday has all the hallmarks of a Romanov hand in the drafting. The statement raised issues against external influences - including "mafia" - they believe to have impacted on the Tynecastle club and could land themselves in disciplinary trouble as a result.
Supporters today suggested the statement was symptomatic of a growing frustration with the Scottish game, with Romanov's visits to Edinburgh become ever more infrequent. Hearts Supporters' Trust chairman Derek Watson said: "I would think most Hearts supporters don't agree with it, but at the end of the day Romanov makes statements. Ultimately Romanov has been good for Hearts. He's kept the club going, put a lot of money into the club and for that the majority of Hearts fans will always be grateful. He has done a lot for the club but he sometimes comes out with statements that are difficult to defend. He's having a wee go at Scottish football - in some ways he is getting fed up with Scottish football. In the last two or three years he has been far away from the club, but he still funds the club and he has got the backing of the majority of supporters, because he keeps the club alive."