Fans have a right to the truth but I can't tell all

HEARTS star Craig Gordon insisted today supporters deserve to know the outcome of his recent disciplinary meeting - but revealed he's been ordered not to talk about it.

The Scotland internationalist was summoned to a hearing with the club's director of infrastructure Pedro Lopez earlier this week for his part in the now infamous Riccarton Three statement in October.

Steven Pressley, the Jambos' former captain, was suspended by the club for his role in revealing there was significant unrest in the dressing-room before reaching an "amicable" agreement to end his eight-year stay in Gorgie.

Paul Hartley and Gordon, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Pressley have met with Lopez to discuss their backing for their former skipper as he addressed the media, although the outcome of those talks is as yet unclear.

The whole affair has left the club's increasingly restless support, who have been starved of any meaningful information in recent weeks as Hearts continue to adopt a policy of minimal co-operation with the media, searching for answers.

And Gordon, himself a lifelong Hearts fan, admitted he can empathise with their frustration.

"I can absolutely understand the frustration the fans feel at not knowing exactly what is going on and I think they have a right to know," said the 23-year-old Scotland star.

"I think it would be good if the situation was clarified but that's down to the club, it's not my call.

"It's an internal meeting and unfortunately I've been told that's the way it has to stay.

"I've been told not to say anything and I have to do that. It could be handled in a clearer way and hopefully over the next few weeks people will be able to see what the outcome is and we can move on.

"It's in the club's hands and if they wanted to come out and say something they could but I've been told not to disclose any information about what went on.

"It was a private meeting and there's not an awful lot more I can say about it."

However, Gordon, who was appointed as Hearts' new captain when Pressley severed all ties with the club, did reveal that his 40-minute meeting with Lopez had failed to resolve all the issues.

When asked if he felt that was the end of the matter Gordon replied negatively.

"Not yet, no. Things are in the process of being concluded. Both parties put their point of view and it was left at that so we'll see what happens over the next few weeks.

"The mood of the meeting was fine. It was very calm and amicable. I was asked to explain my reasons (for making the statement) and I did that."

When quizzed further about whether or not he regretted his decision to make a stand over the way the club was being run, Gordon was coy.

"That was one of the main things asked at the meeting and because of that I can't really answer that question.

"We need to draw a line under things as soon as possible and get things sorted. But I think it's going to be a couple of weeks yet before we'll know what that is.

"I was a little surprised to be called into the meeting but I suppose after what happened to Steven it was inevitable."

However Gordon denied that the recent goings-on at the club would force him to hand in a transfer request or seek a move elsewhere.

"I'm still fully committed to Hearts," he stressed. "I've also got a long time left on my contract so Hearts would have to want me to leave as well. I'm just going to concentrate on trying to maintain my performances and doing the best I can for the club."

Taken from the Scotsman