Hearts clear Thomson to continue his career at club

Published Date: 25 June 2011
By ALEX SCHWEITZER-THOMPSON
Craig THOMSON is today still a Hearts player as the club announced it would stand by the Scotland Under-21 internationalist following his placement on the Sex Offenders' Register.
The news has been met with fury and disbelief by many fans, a large number of whom have in the past few days urged the club to part company with Thomson and vented their feelings that the actions of the player were unforgiveable.

Thomson was placed on the Sex Offenders Register last week after pleading guilty to two charges of lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour over the internet, towards girls aged 12 and 14.

A statement issued by the club on its website explained the decision to continue to employ Thomson, who it is understood will travel with Hearts today to a pre-season training camp in Italy.

"The club's detailed investigation has provided a complete picture of the entire circumstances relating to the case, which led the footballer to plead, and subsequently be found guilty, of 'lewd, libidinous and indecent' behaviour," said the statement.

"The club views this matter very seriously and does not condone the behaviour of the player. Appropriate action to prevent any further development of unlawful activities has been taken. "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 judgment due to naivety and possible wrong outside influence rather than anything more sinister and it will not be repeated. "As such, 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." In a written apology, the player expressed his appreciation for the loyalty shown by Hearts, the club, he acknowledged, having been under severe pressure to sack him. He said: "Firstly, I would like to apologise to all those involved in this unfortunate affair," said Thomson. "I also want to apologise to my family, friends and the staff, players and supporters of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. "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. "I make no excuses for what I did, but I would like to thank the club for studying the entire circumstances around the matter. "I am fully aware of the extreme pressure the club faced from individuals and organisations that were not in full possession of the facts surrounding my situation. I thank them for this understanding. "My aim now is to move on and develop my career and I know that this will only happen with the support of my family, friends and the club.

I also know how hard I will have to work to restore your faith in me as an individual and a footballer. I can assure you that I have no intention of letting you down again."

Derek Watson, chairman of the Hearts Supporters Trust, said he trusted the club to have carried out a full investigation and supported its decision to retain Thomson. He said: "I know that the courts had no choice but to put Mr Thomson on the sex offenders register.

"As far as I know, the club have carried out their investigation and what has been reported isn't the full story. As chairman of the supporters trust, I believe the club have investigated it in depth, and although he made a mistake they are willing to stand by him and I am willing to stand by the club's verdict."

"I was wrong for what I did and will, rightfully, accept my punishment for my errant conduct"

Taken from the Scotsman