Hearts fans ready to pledge 'serious money' for legal battle

Supporters’ group say they will back Ann Budge

Hearts fans will rally if funds are needed for a legal battle.

Hearts fans have been rallying, ready to provide financial backing should owner Ann Budge decide to take legal action in a bid to stave off relegation following the decision to call the Premiership.

One fans’ group said “serious money” would be pledged and that other clubs were prepared to back the Tynecastle side.

Hearts were rooted to the foot of the table, four points adrift but with eight matches remaining, when the 2019-20 Premiership season was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis on Monday.

Budge is due to host a videoconference this afternoon involving the various fan groups including the Foundation of Hearts, shareholders and the reactivated Save Our Hearts.

She has already issued a statement saying she is to submit a member’s resolution regarding league reconstruction and warned that the club is taking legal advice.

A spokesman for one supporters’ group told The Scotsman: “It depends on what Ann decides to do, but if we're going to fight, that's what we'll do.

“If the call goes out for back-up, the members will step up, and there's serious money out there which will be pledged.”

It is expected that not only Hearts fans will be involved if a legal battle ensues.

“This will go right across Scotland if it happens,” the spokesman added. “We have been contacted by fan groups from Motherwell, Partick Thistle and Stranraer, and we are confident others will be willing to get involved.”