Jambos demand sex shame star's contract is ripped up

Thomson, 20, has been put on the sex offenders' register after he pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour.

The player engaged in sexual conversations with girls aged 12 and 14 on Facebook, e-mail and webcams, with prosecution lawyers saying he had discussed sexual acts with one girl, made inappropriate comments about her body and asked her to expose herself online.

Hundreds of fans on the popular Jambos Kickback website expressed dismay that Thomson, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, had not been immediately removed from the club, and a poll found that close to 90 per cent of supporters who voted wanted to see his contract terminated immediately.

One supporter wrote: "As a father of a 13-year-old daughter, it disgusts me to think this cretin could be allowed to stay at our club."

Another fan wrote: "I think the club should sack him for bringing the club into disrepute. We as a club should not be seen to be condoning this action. I am sure the sponsors will have something to say."

A concerned parent said: "I have a ten-year-old daughter and I cannot believe that this pervert is still at our club. Good player or not, this cannot go unpunished by Hearts. If he doesn't go, I don't even want to entertain the thought of Hearts being a 'family club'."

There was also talk of holding a demonstration outside the club's training facility at Riccarton if a statement about the player's future is not made soon.

Thomson had praised the support of the club throughout the case since his arrest in September last year, describing it as "different class", and had pledged to focus on his football now that the case was concluded.

However, it is understood Thomson is to meet with manager Jim Jefferies and managing director David Southern on their return from holiday next week to decide what form of disciplinary action should be taken.

It is likely that the final say on the matter will come from owner Vladimir Romanov.

The case also brought the condemnation of children's charity Children 1st, which said it was clear the player could no longer work with children.

Alison Todd, director of policy, said: "Cases like this do highlight the very real dangers and risks that exist on the internet and on social networking sites for young people.

"When someone has been placed on the sex offenders' register, they are clearly unsuitable to be working directly with children and young people.

"We would expect the SFA, the Scottish Premier League and individual football clubs to be aware of their responsibilities towards young people."

The Scotland under-21 international is under contract to Hearts for another two years.A club spokesman issued a brief statement last night, simply confirming that Hearts will conduct their own investigation into Thomson's conduct. "The club is aware of the verdict and will go through the necessary internal procedures," said the spokesman.