Revolution isn't real deal says Milne
PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov has come under fire from Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne.

In a remarkable outburst, the Dons chief claimed the Tynecastle outfit is heading for disaster under the Lithuanian's control and questioned just how much money the banker has put into the Gorgie coffers.

"He hasn't put a penny into the club," claimed the Pittodrie chairman.

"All that has happened is their debts have passed from one bank to another. These debts are still there and they are far larger than those at Aberdeen.

"Unless Hearts can come up with some magic formula that none of the rest of us has thought about, this will cause them real problems in the future."

Controversial Romanov, who was the subject of a hard-hitting BBC documentary in Frontline Scotland last night, is understood to be surprised at the attack and is considering his response.

Meanwhile, BBC Scotland has denied claims that it reneged on a deal to let Romanov view the programme before it was broadcast.

The Tynecastle majority shareholder was seen in the documentary defending Graham Rix over the controversy about his unlawful sex conviction and criticising former chief executive Phil Anderton and ex-chairman George Foulkes. There were also allegations that Romanov faces a tax investigation over his business dealings in Bosnia.

A spokesman said: "BBC made no agreement to show the completed programme or the interview with Mr Romanov to Mr Romanov's team before transmission.

"Mr Romanov was given the opportunity to answer the criticisms made about his business activities.

"The interview was halted by Mr Romanov's team despite the fact that he had not fully answered the questions put to him."

Romanov's spokesman Charlie Mann, meanwhile, has quit the BBC in the wake of last night's programme.

Mann, who works for public relations firm Weber Shandwick, had contributed match reports for television and radio for years but decided it was "inappropriate" to continue in such a role while representing the Lithuanian.

"If there is a choice between the BBC and Vladimir Romanov I will stand firmly behind my client," he said.

Taken from the Scotsman