Romanov denies referee comments

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has denied accusing Celtic and Rangers of buying off Scotland’s referees.

The Lithuanian-based businessman was reported to have made the comments in Russian magazine Futbol.

In an interview transcribed by the Daily Record, he allegedly said: “Celtic and Rangers? Even Kaunas are a match for them on the pitch.

“They have turned football into a type of showbusiness with their underhand games. They buy off players and referees. When it comes to weaker teams then nobody can help. But if two opponents are equally matched then the referees can have a real influence on the outcome.”

However, a spokesman for Romanov said: “Vladimir has issued a categorical denial that he said anything about referees being bought off by the Old Firm.”

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn hinted earlier in the day that he would consider taking legal action against the Lithuanian-based businessman.

Quinn told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme: “I think it is absurd, absolutely ridiculous. If he is saying this, I will take legal advice on this today.”

However, it is thought the Parkhead chief has backtracked since.

The controversial Hearts supremo is involved in a dispute with the Scottish Football Association after he appealed against a fine for accusing Scottish referees of bias last season.

Romanov, who has an interest in Lithuanian side FC Kaunas, was also reported to have claimed Hearts had “five people in the team working for Rangers and Celtic” before Christmas.

The Jambos transferred Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley to Celtic in January after the two players, along with out-of-favour goalkeeper Craig Gordon, had publicly revealed “significant unrest” in the dressing room in October.