Norn_Iron_Man
03 May 2007, 03:53 PM
Hearts pay for Romanov's ref jibe
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42881000/jpg/_42881985_vladimirromanov203.jpg Vladimir Romanov has been fined previously by the SFA
Hearts have been fined £25,000 by the Scottish Premier League following February's controversial website statement by owner Vladimir Romanov.
The cryptic statement, titled "Monkeys go home!", appeared to claim refereeing was open to corruption or bias.
It also took aim at journalists and the football authorities.
And the SPL board decided that Romanov had broken league rules that exist to prevent unfair criticism and demand reasonable behaviour.
Hearts were also warned by the SPL about their future conduct.
A £5,000 share of the fine was imposed for failing to provide information requested by the SPL.
In his website statement, Romanov - addressing the media - said: "Today, I will express my opinion in English about refereeing in order that your Mowgli will not make you tell lies. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif
"To discuss whether referees take money or not is the same as discussing a woman who gives herself with no love.
"Isn't it better to concentrate on the standard of their work instead of looking for reasons for their poor performance?
"A woman cheats herself and nature if she gives herself without love.
"If a referee officiates a game based on his personal love, he commits a cynical crime, especially when the public has trusted him.
"I respect those referees who take money from two stupid teams and then honestly officiates a game. They do not harm football in any way.
"Though it is bad, still everybody is equal for them.
"Perhaps that is the reason why football in Italy will never die despite all the scandals that continuously shake it. "I think that is much better than being the champions for 40 years while building up the same system for further 40 years." Hearts and Romanov have both been fined this season by the Scottish Football Association for the Lithuanian-based Russian businessman's previous comments about referees.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42881000/jpg/_42881985_vladimirromanov203.jpg Vladimir Romanov has been fined previously by the SFA
Hearts have been fined £25,000 by the Scottish Premier League following February's controversial website statement by owner Vladimir Romanov.
The cryptic statement, titled "Monkeys go home!", appeared to claim refereeing was open to corruption or bias.
It also took aim at journalists and the football authorities.
And the SPL board decided that Romanov had broken league rules that exist to prevent unfair criticism and demand reasonable behaviour.
Hearts were also warned by the SPL about their future conduct.
A £5,000 share of the fine was imposed for failing to provide information requested by the SPL.
In his website statement, Romanov - addressing the media - said: "Today, I will express my opinion in English about refereeing in order that your Mowgli will not make you tell lies. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif
"To discuss whether referees take money or not is the same as discussing a woman who gives herself with no love.
"Isn't it better to concentrate on the standard of their work instead of looking for reasons for their poor performance?
"A woman cheats herself and nature if she gives herself without love.
"If a referee officiates a game based on his personal love, he commits a cynical crime, especially when the public has trusted him.
"I respect those referees who take money from two stupid teams and then honestly officiates a game. They do not harm football in any way.
"Though it is bad, still everybody is equal for them.
"Perhaps that is the reason why football in Italy will never die despite all the scandals that continuously shake it. "I think that is much better than being the champions for 40 years while building up the same system for further 40 years." Hearts and Romanov have both been fined this season by the Scottish Football Association for the Lithuanian-based Russian businessman's previous comments about referees.