Romanov fined for ref bias claim

An identical fine was given to the club in October after his claim that Hearts won the Scottish Cup "despite all the efforts and intrigues of referees".

The SFA rejected the claim by Romanov's lawyers that he was not an official of the Edinburgh club.

It decided that he did therefore come under the parent body's jurisdiction.

Romanov declined to appear before the general purposes committee to answer the charge of bringing the game into disrepute with his comments on the club website.

The Russian businessman has the opportunity to appeal against the fine within seven days of receiving written notification.

Hearts have already appealed against the £10,000 fine handed out in October.

The SFA closed a loophole in May that had allowed those without an official club post to make outspoken views.

It ruled that those holding authority at a club - or had control of the club board - fell within its jurisdiction.

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