Children's charities back Hearts' move to sack Thomson

Sex offender Craig Thomson

The 20-year-old defender was fined and placed on the sex offenders register last month after pleading guilty to inappropriate conduct towards two underage girls over the internet.

The club originally said it would stand by the player, but suspended him two weeks ago after a public outcry.

Yesterday, after meeting Thomson and his family, Hearts chief Vladimir Romanov said: "I have reviewed all the facts of his case and understand he has done a wrong thing. This is a very bad example and he will not play for the club again."

In a statement on its website the club announced: "Craig Thomson will leave Heart of Midlothian Football Club imminently. The club has considered all implications surrounding the issue and has decided to find a solution for the player to leave the club over the forthcoming days."

Today there was speculation Thomson, who still has two years of his contract to run, could be moved to Mr Romanov's Lithuanian side FBK Kaunas.

A club insider said: "He will leave the club shortly, but he does want to continue in football."

Anne Houston, chief executive of Children 1st, welcomed the decision to remove Thomson from Tynecastle. She said: "Throughout this situation, Children 1st's concern - as it always is - has been for the welfare of children and ensuring that everyone takes responsibility to protect them.

"We are relieved that the club now accepts the role it must play in minimising the risk of sexual harm to children.

"The reason we got involved in this issue was because of our long-standing commitment to protecting children and ensuring they are safe and secure.

"This decision by Hearts sends a clear message to children and young people that they are valued and that their experiences will be taken seriously."

Matt Forde, head of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Scotland, said the sacking was "the right decision".

He added: "Hearts' decision is in the best interests of children. All sports bodies have a responsibility for ensuring that their activities pose no risk to children, but football plays a special part in the lives of many children and young people and this means our clubs must do their utmost to protect children and keep them safe from harm.

"While the internet can be a great resource for young people, it is vital that they are encouraged and supported to follow advice on internet safety and to speak out if they see anything that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable."

Derek Watson, chairman of the Hearts Supporters Trust, said fans of the club would be relieved.

He said: "I think the majority of people will be happy this is over."At the end of the day the club has made the right decision, but obviously things have got to be looked at in detail and these things take time.

"It is quite right that they have taken their time and not given a knee-jerk reaction."

Claude Knights, director of the anti-bullying charity Kidscape, also welcomed the decision. He said: "This is the right reaction but it is also what should have happened in the first place. At last the club has understood the severity of the situation.

"It is not going to be the end of the story if Thomson is simply transferred to another club."

Thomson, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, pleaded guilty on June 17 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour after he targeted two girls aged 12 and 14 with indecent comments and naked photographs.