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Friday, 4 May 2007, 12:29 GMT 13:29 UK

Romanov jibe incurs double fine

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov Hearts have been fined £20,000 by the SFA following comments made by owner Vladimir Romanov on the club website.

The fine, which has been suspended for two years, follows a website entry in February, entitled "Monkeys go home!" which questioned referees' integrity.

It also took aim at journalists and the football authorities.

Romanov was fined £25,000 by the Scottish Premier League on Thursday, after it ruled his comments had broken league rules.

Hearts have also been warned by the SPL about their future conduct.

A £5,000 share of Thursday's fine was imposed for failing to provide information requested by the SPL.

In his website statement, Romanov - addressing the media - said: "Today, I will express my opinion in English about refereeing in order that your Mowgli will not make you tell lies.

"If a referee officiates a game based on his personal love, he commits a cynical crime, especially when the public has trusted him"
Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov

"To discuss whether referees take money or not is the same as discussing a woman who gives herself with no love.

"Isn't it better to concentrate on the standard of their work instead of looking for reasons for their poor performance?

"A woman cheats herself and nature if she gives herself without love.

"If a referee officiates a game based on his personal love, he commits a cynical crime, especially when the public has trusted him.

"I respect those referees who take money from two stupid teams and then honestly officiates a game. They do not harm football in any way.

"Though it is bad, still everybody is equal for them.

"Perhaps that is the reason why football in Italy will never die despite all the scandals that continuously shake it.

"I think that is much better than being the champions for 40 years while building up the same system for further 40 years."

Hearts and Romanov have both been fined this season by the SFA for the Lithuanian-based Russian businessman's previous comments about referees.



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Related to this story:

Romanov loses appeal over fine (13 Apr 07 |  Heart of Midlothian )
Hearts pay fine over ref claims (30 Mar 07 |  Heart of Midlothian )
SFA notes Romanov's new diatribe (23 Feb 07 |  Heart of Midlothian )

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