Match-fix allegation rejected by bookies

A CLAIM that Vladimir Romanov believed the SPL fixture between Celtic and Hearts at Parkhead last season was fixed were dismissed out of hand by both leading bookmakers and the Scottish football authorities yesterday.

In the BBC documentary Romanov: King of Hearts, which was broadcast last night, former Hearts chairman George Foulkes said that the Tynecastle club's Lithuanian owner had suspicions that the 1-1 draw on 15 October had been "contrived".

Foulkes declined to detail the reasons for Romanov's allegations over the game, which proved to be George Burley's last in charge of Hearts before his sacking as manager with the club at the top of the SPL.

Graham Sharpe of bookmakers William Hill summed up the widespread incredulity towards Romanov's alleged claim when he told The Scotsman: "When anyone suggests something like this, you do check back and see if there was anything irregular about the betting patterns on the game at the time. The fact is there was absolutely nothing untoward.

"I am not aware of any evidence whatsoever from any bookmakers that would support Mr Romanov's reported claim."

Steve Freeth, of internet bookmaking firm Bet 365, said: "We have checked our records and I can assure you that a draw was a great result for us. There was virtually no money on it. There is definitely no whiff of match-fixing about this game.

"Obviously, match-fixing has been very much in the news recently because of the scandal in Italy, but Mr Romanov is wide of the mark on this game."

Match-fixing and illegal betting are covered in articles 90 and 91 of the Scottish Football Association's articles of association, which give the SFA board of directors the power to fine, suspend or expel any individuals or clubs found guilty of betting on a match or offering any financial inducements to referees or opponents in an attempt to influence the outcome of a match.

An SFA spokesman, however, insisted that Romanov's alleged claim would not be the subject of any action on their part.

"It is not something we are taking seriously," said the spokesman. "It is unsubstantiated and there are no plans to investigate, but it should be a matter for the SPL as it concerns one of their games."

The SPL, in fact, would refer any suspicions it had over match-fixing to the SFA. An SPL spokesman, though, was equally unmoved by the latest controversy kicked up by Romanov.

"We do not believe match fixing has blighted any of our fixtures and have no evidence to suggest otherwise," he said.

Charlie Mann, Romanov's spokesman, pointed to another part of last night's BBC documentary to illustrate that the alleged comment to former chairman Foulkes may not have been made with any genuine belief that the match had been fixed.

"In the documentary, Romanov also admits that he sometimes says things to engender a reaction from others," said Mann. "If he said that to George, and I'm certainly not accusing George of telling fibs, then you have to ask if he really thought the game was fixed.

"I would have serious doubts about that.

"If he really did feel that way, why have we not heard about it until now? I worked very closely with George when he was at the club and he never once mentioned it to me. Romanov has never even hinted or mentioned it to me."

Taken from the Scotsman