Source: FOOTYMAD
How Could Hearts Possibly Stand By This Man?
Hearts have confirmed they have suspended defender Craig Thomson with immediate effect ... but ONLY after sponsors threatened to pull out of the club. The club on Monday announced they were standing by the player, following a conviction for "lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour". However, a short statement on the club's official website, this morning read: "Hearts today announce that Craig Thomson is suspended with immediate effect. No further comment will be made by the club." 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 underage girls over the internet. And on Monday one of the club's sponsors - MacB Water - announced they were withdrawing support as official water sponsor of the Jambos, a deal worth more than £5,000. A MacB spokeswoman said: "As a company with strong family values, we are left with no choice but to terminate our relationship with the Hearts Football Club. "Along with countless others, fans and co-sponsors alike, we are extremely disappointed with the club's handling of this situation and as a result can no longer continue our support." BUT HEARTS WILL KEEP THE PLAYER! Hearts manager Jim Jefferies: "There will be some games now where this gives us a situation. "We have to make sure that if Craig ever gets back in the team - and let's not forget there's competition for places - how will he handle what's coming to him? "We have to be sure as well because at the end of the day that's going to affect the performance of the rest of the players if it becomes a bit of a sideshow which gets out of hand."
