ROMANOV IN CELTIC 'FIX' CLAIM

FORMER Hearts chairman George Foulkes has controversially claimed Vladimir Romanov suspected George Burley was involved in a match-fixing scandal against Celtic.

Foulkes insists the Jambos owner made the amazing allegations against his former boss after a 1-1 draw at Parkhead that signalled the end of Burley's Tynecastle reign.

The claims are made in Romanov: King of Hearts, a 60-minute BBC 2 documentary to be shown tonight at 9.0. The makers were given access to Romanov's public and private life during his first controversial season at Tynecastle.

Hearts, who have been linked with a move to make former Rangers star Alexei Mikhailichenko their new boss, parted company with Burley last October after only 10 SPL games when the team was sitting top of the table. Now Foulkes has alleged the relationship between manager and owner came to grief over Romanov's belief that the 1-1 result at Parkhead on October 15, Burley's final game in charge, was fixed.

Craig Beattie put Celtic ahead after 13 minutes but Rudi Skacel equalised three minutes later.

Quizzed about the souring of the Romanov-Burley relationship, Foulkes said: "The genesis of concern was the 1-1 draw with Celtic. We were apparently set for a win and it ended up as a draw and Romanov was convinced somehow it could be contrived. That was the way his suspicion started but it was so fantastic and unbelievable."

Asked if Romanov mentioned his fears to Foulkes, the former Labour MP said: "Oh yes, oh yes. He was fuming because he suspected the match was fixed."

Yesterday Foulkes stood by his comments. He said: "This was his belief but I don't think anyone else I know shared it. I did not subscribe to it and explained to him these things are not possible in the way Scottish football operates. However, that was the thing that sparked off the train of his thinking about Burley."

Burley, now at Southampton, refused to be drawn, saying: "I'm not getting involved in anything."

Romanov refused to discuss the claims with documentary makers, citing his confidentiality agreement with Burley.

Romanov spokesman Charlie Mann said: "This was the view of George but the suggestion is ludicrous. I have been close to Vladimir all this time and he has never even hinted that to me.

"Everyone in Scottish football appreciates and understands a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park at that stage of the season was a very good result.

"Vladimir very obviously felt the club should have won. He expects high standards and was angry the team did not beat Celtic on the day."

Meanwhile, Romanov's attack on SFA chief executive David Taylor will be discussed by the general purposes committee on July 13.

Romanov criticised Taylor after the SFA closed the loophole allowing figures of significant influence at clubs to escape censure for critical remarks if they were not in formal positions.

If it is decided Romanov has a case to answer, he will be invited to appear at Hampden and explain his remarks.

Taken from the Daily Record