MSP calls for Hearts action

JACK McCONNELL has been urged to act over the crisis at Hearts by pressuring the football authorities to put fans at the centre of decision-making.

Hibs fan and Independent MSP Margo MacDonald has written to the First Minister asking him to press the Scottish Football Association to rein in the power of club owners. She wants the SFA to change its licensing laws to put a "community responsibility" obligation on owners.

Ms MacDonald said: "Hearts are undergoing a very painful and traumatic period. But there is nothing to say that the Romanov style of management could not be applied to any other club in Scotland. No fan of the game would wish the current turmoil at Tynecastle on even their greatest rivals."

An SFA spokesman said: "We are more than happy to discuss the situation, and what clubs have to do to get a licence, with Ms MacDonald. Club licences set the standard clubs should aspire to."

Taken from the Scotsman