Hearts & Partick Thistle each fined 拢2,500 for starting court battle

Image source, SNS

Image caption, Hearts and Partick Thistle argued that they had been relegated unfairly
  • Author, Brian McLauchlin
  • Role, 大象传媒 Scotland

Hearts and Partick Thistle have each been fined 拢2,500 by the Scottish FA for going to the courts to try and reverse their respective relegations.

The two clubs were unhappy with how the vote to curtail last season unfolded and their subsequent demotion on a points-per-game basis.

Their challenge went to court, then arbitration, but was unsuccessful.

They have now been found guilty of breaching the Scottish FA's Rule 78 by taking the issue to court.

Hearts and Thistle say they are "naturally disappointed" by the fines, but acknowledge that the sanction "reflects that the petition issued was brought in good faith". A statement added: "We look forward to putting these matters behind us and focusing on the season ahead."

Hearts, who were bottom of the Scottish Premiership, Thistle, who were bottom of the Championship and Stranraer, who trailed in League One, were relegated on a points-per-game basis when the season was curtailed.

That decision was taken after a controversial vote of all 42 clubs granted the Scottish Professional Football League board the power to do so.

After attempts at reconstruction of the leagues, Hearts and Thistle filed a petition at the Court of Session, seeking either a reversal of the decision of compensation.

They wanted the Court of Session to reverse the promotions of Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers and keep them up instead.

However, a three-strong panel ruled that the SPFL was entitled to act as it did.

Hearts and Thistle also wanted up to 拢10m in compensation but could now face paying costs, with arbitration continuing for "submissions about expenses".