Craig Levein 'fed up with Old Firm' as he accuses Celtic's undue influence of relegating Hearts

Craig Levein believes Celtic’s burning desire for ten-in-a-row and their influence over Scottish football contributed significantly to Hearts’ relegation last season.

Former Hearts manager Craig Levein. Picture: SNS

The Tynecastle side were prematurely sent packing to the second tier despite being only four points away from safety with eight games remaining after clubs voted to end the campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Levein, who started the season as manager before being relieved of his duties, thinks a major contributing factor was Celtic’s quest for ten consecutive titles, which would set a new record and forever give them bragging rights over rivals Rangers.

The former Scotland manager sees parallels with the way in which the Ibrox club used to ‘call the shots’ in Scottish football and the way the current Parkhead board guide matters off the field, saying he can’t be bothered with either of the Glasgow giants.

He told the Football Daft podcast: “I’m fed up with the two of them. Honestly, it’s all people think football is in Scotland, and the press play up to it all the time.

“This whole stuff last season with Hearts getting relegated was a nonsense, an absolute nonsense, and part of it was to do with Celtic getting the title so that they could try and break this record of nine-in-a-row.

“I just can’t be bothered with it. For a while David Murray ran Scottish football and Rangers were calling all the shots and getting all the good publicity and now I think Celtic are doing exactly the same.

“They call the shots with all the big decisions in Scotland and I think it’s really unfair. So I can’t be bothered with the nonsense.”

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