SPL: Sacked footballers appeal against dismissal

Two footballers sacked by their club over allegations they were seen using drugs at a players’ party were today appealing against their dismissal.

Northern Ireland international George O’Boyle, 33, and ex-Hearts and Morton player Kevin Thomas, 25, have maintained a public silence since they were dismissed by Perth-based St Johnstone FC in January for gross misconduct.

Represented today by Edinburgh solicitor Richard McAnulty, the pair will argue against the club’s decision to terminate their contracts at an appeal being heard by a three-man panel of the Scottish Premier League (SPL).

The panel, made up of a QC, an employment lawyer and a company chairman, will also hear from lawyers acting for St Johnstone.

It is not yet known how long the appeal procedure will take, although the verdict is to be posted on the SPL website.

A spokesman for the SPL said today: "Both sides are going to get the opportunity to put their case across from this morning and it will be heard by a panel of three.

"If it is concluded today there will be a period of deliberation before the full verdict is delivered and posted up on the Internet."

The appeal is being heard at Scotland’s national stadium Hampden Park in Glasgow.