Thomson cleared to return

24 June 2011 17:53
Hearts defender Craig Thomson has issued an apology after being freed to resume his career with the club[LNB] The 20-year-old full-back earlier this month pleaded guilty to lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour, was fined and placed on the sex offenders' register in relation to his inappropriate conduct towards two under-age girls over the internet.[LNB]Following a club investigation, a statement on Hearts' official website 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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"The club views this matter very seriously and does not condone the behaviour of the player.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Thomson added: "I would like to apologise to all those involved in this unfortunate affair.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."

Source: Team_Talk