Romanov backs referees in war against the SFA

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has broken his silence on the referees dispute in Scotland - offering strong support to the match officials.

He said: "It is evident that the referees do not want to remain the slaves of the football mafia. They do not want to tolerate slavery any more. They do not want to cheat the supporters, public opinion and be responsible for that. I support them with all my heart and cannot stop admiring the courage of the referees who do not want to be subordinates to anyone, apart their own integrity and professional duty.

"The referees rioted as they've got fed up with this show business instead of football which is dear not only to them as to professionals - it is a true value of all people. They simply began to realise whose hand are manipulating them.

"I am glad that a Scottish politician who loves football and its home stepped in and showed his concern. He is right in calling for reforms, but such reforms need to start with the main bodies - Uefa and Fifa. If the referees lose this 'civil war', football will disappear in this country."

In a frank statement released to the Scottish media, Romanov added: "The dispute between the Scottish Football Association and the referees was only the latest proof of what had been clear for many years.

"And the gentlemen in ties sacrilegiously fine Hearts for bad discipline. I have a human pity for them - killing clubs is a hard job where the champions are known in advance."