Romanov believed Celtic match was fixed, says Foulkes

Former Hearts chairman George Foulkes claims majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov was unhappy with a 1-1 draw against Celtic last season.

“Romanov was convinced the result had somehow been contrived and was suspicious,” said Foulkes, speaking in the documentary; Romanov: King of Hearts, to be shown on BBC Two Scotland tomorrow.

“But it was just so fantastic and unbelievable.

“He was fuming about it because he believed the match had been fixed.”

Romanov later declined an offer from the programme-makers to comment on what Foulkes said.

Foulkes resigned from his post shortly after the surprise departure of manager George Burley.

With Hearts top of the SPL, Burley parted company with the Edinburgh club just seven days after the draw at Celtic Park.

‘Irreconcilable differences’ with the Tynecastle board was the reason cited for Burley leaving after a 10-game unbeaten league run.

In Romanov’s first full season in charge at Hearts, the club went on to finish second in the SPL and won the Tennent’s Scottish Cup.

Graham Rix was brought in to replace Burley and his tenure was also short-lived, with Romanov sacking him after four months.