Source: FOOTYMAD
Right decision taken
Craig Thomson's suspension has been welcomed by Supporters' Trust Chairman of the Hearts Supporters' Trust, Derek Watson is hoping that the club's reputation will survive the furore over Craig Thomson. The club were going to keep him as part of Jim Jefferies squad despite his conviction for "lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour". However, a short statement on the club's official website on Tuesday confirmed: "Hearts announce that Craig Thomson is suspended with immediate effect. No further comment will be made by the club." The 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. News of Hearts' initial decision to stand by Thomson resulted in calls for a change of heart from one of the countries leading children's charities - Children 1st - and one of the club's sponsors - MacB Water - announcing they were withdrawing support as official water sponsor of the club - a deal worth more than £5,000. But Watson hopes the reputation of the club has not been permanently damaged. He said: "That's something we will find out over time. I'm just pleased that they are looking at the situation again. That's the right decision on their part." Watson did not want to get into a discussion about whether Thomson should continue to be a Hearts player. He said: "That's up to the board at the end of the day. I'm not going to comment on what is obviously a difficult case. That's up to the football club and we will make a comment once they have made a decision rather than speculating on it." However, there was no such reticence from former Hearts defender Alan McLaren as hehopes Thomson has played his last game for the club. McLaren was asked if he expects Thomson to play for the club again and replied: "Hopefully not. Maybe that's up to Craig and he will maybe take it upon himself to resign. You feel for him. He has done something wrong and he has to accept responsibility for it. But hopefully he'll not pull a Hearts shirt on again. It's going to be hard for him, regardless of where he goes. It will stay with him. It's not something he can shrug off, be it in this country or another country. He will still be what the courts have deemed him to be."
