Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov attacks 'media monkeys' over criticism of Jim Jefferies sacking

Aug 3 2011

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov has launched a fresh tirade against the Scottish media following his controversial sacking of Jim Jefferies earlier this week.

The madcap Jambos supremo has accused journalists of being "idiots" for questioning his decision to axe Jefferies and assistant Billy Brown on Monday.

Romanov's decision to remove the duo after 18 months in charge was met with widespread disbelief from all corners of the Scottish game.

His timing, just three games into the new season and days before a crucial Europa League qualifier with Hungarians Paksi, was slammed by former players and pundits alike.

But today the Lithuanian, who has previously launched stinging attacks on the SFA, bizarrely claimed the backlash is proof of why Scottish football is languishing three spots behind his own country in the FIFA rankings.

In a statement published on his club's official website, Romanov barked: "Judging by the pre-planned squeals the media monkeys are making, Hearts has hit the point with the move.

"I believe that with only one competitive win in 15 games, only fools and idiots would not raise questions and suspicions.

"I now understand why Scotland is in 61st place in FIFA rankings behind such poor football countries like Lithuania, Albania and Gabon."

Taken from the Daily Record