Independence: Hearts angry over ‘Yes’ leaflets

HEART of Midlothian Football Club have issued a statement accusing pro-independence campaigners of attempting to “hijack” the club’s logo ahead of yesterday’s Edinburgh derby against Hibernian.

Hearts celebrate their opening goal in the Edinburgh derby. Picture: SNS

Hearts issued the statement after supporters of the ‘Yes’ campaign reportedly handed out leaflets bearing the club’s official crest, without receiving permission to use the logo.

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The SPFL Championship side, who won yesterday’s game against their city rivals 2-1, have issued a rebuke to the campaigners over what the club describes as a “breach of copyright”.

Hearts’ statement reads: “Heart of Midlothian plc, as an organisation, would like to stress it remains neutral in the debate over Scottish independence.

“Supporters of the ‘Yes’ campaign were outside Tynecastle Stadium prior to yesterday’s Scottish Championship clash with Hibernian, displaying banners and literature to fans attending the game.

“We understand these banners and leaflets carried the official club crest. This was done without our prior knowledge or consent and we are currently investigating this breach of copyright.

The statement concludes: “Heart of Midlothian FC is completely non-political and while we respect the views of our fans and their right to make these opinions known, we take a dim view of individuals or groups attempting to hijack the club crest to meet their own agendas.”