Craig Thomson to stay at Hearts

Thomson was placed on the sex offenders register last week after pleading guilt to two charges of lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour towards young girls, aged 12 and 14.

The club today released an apology from Thomson, saying his actions were the "result of a grave error of judgement due to naivety and possible wrong outside influence rather than anything sinister."

In a written apology, the player accused "individuals and organisations" of putting "extreme pressure" on the club despite not being "in full possession of the facts".

A statement from Hearts added they now considered the matter closed.

In the apology, released through the club's website, Thomson said:

"Firstly, I would like to apologise to all those involved in this unfortunate affair. I also want to apologise to my family, friends and the staff players and supporters of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.

"I was wrong for what I did and will, rightfully, accept my punishment for my errant conduct. I am fully aware that I have let everyone down and I am truly sorry for that.

"As I said previously, football is my life and I will focus on that. This has been a learning cruve for me. I personally make no excuses for what I did but I would like to thank the club for studying the entire circumstances around the matter.

"The club's investigation and full understanding into every aspect of my situation is something I am very grateful for. I am fully aware of the extreme pressure the club faced from individuals and organisations that were not in full possession of the facts surrounding my situation. I thank them for this understanding.

"My aim is to now move on and develop my career and I know that this will only happen with the support of my family, friends and the club. I also know how hard I will have to work to restore your faith in me as an individual and a footballer. I can assure you that I have no intention of letting you down."

A statement from Hearts added:

"The club views this matter very seriously and does not condone the behaviour of the player. Appropriate action to prevent any further development of unlawful activities has been taken.

"In reaching this decision, the club accepted that there are sufficient mitigating circumstances that provide significant assurance that the player's conduct, no matter how distasteful, was the result of a grave error of judgement due to naivety and possible wrong outside influence rather than anything more sinister and it will not be repeated."