Thomson given green light for Hearts return

Defender Craig Thomson has issued an apology after today being freed to resume his career with Hearts following a club investigation into his conviction for “lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour”.

The 20-year-old full-back earlier this month pleaded guilty, was fined and placed on the sex offenders register in relation to his inappropriate conduct towards two under-age girls over the internet.

A statement on Hearts’ official website, www.heartsfc.co.uk, read: “The club believes that there is no reason for Craig Thomson not to continue his career as a professional footballer and he will resume training with immediate effect.

“In reaching this decision, the club accepted that there are sufficient mitigating circumstances that provide significant assurance that the player’s conduct, no matter how distasteful, was the result of a grave error of judgement due to naivety and possible wrong outside influence rather than anything more sinister and it will not be repeated.

“The club views this matter very seriously and does not condone the behaviour of the player.

“Appropriate action to prevent any further development of unlawful activities has been taken. The matter is now closed and the club will not comment any further.”

Thomson added: “I would like to apologise to all those involved in this unfortunate affair.

“I was wrong for what I did and will, rightfully, accept my punishment for my errant conduct. I am fully aware that I have let everyone down and I am truly sorry for that.

“As I said previously, football is my life and I will focus on that. This has been a learning curve for me. I personally make no excuses for what I did but I would like to thank the club for studying the entire circumstances around the matter.”