Hearts sack sex offender Craig Thomson in wake of public outrage, he gets the 'red card for life', his football career is stone cold dead!

Dear All

Certain people because of their jobs or positions in life are expected to have high public standards because they are role models.

Politicians, footballers, Doctors, Police, entertainers and Clergy are all expected to lead by example.

And for being in the public eye they get the prestige that goes with it, the public expect one thing, don’t abuse that position.

Craig Thomson is a footballer who pleaded guilty to lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour in Court.

He had targeted two girls aged 12 and 13 over the internet with indecent comments and naked photographs.

Caught and convicted he was placed on the sex offenders register.

After his conviction; Heart of Midlothian was remarkably slow in deciding to terminate his services.

However, after bowing to public pressure, they have gone and sacked the player convicted of sex offences.

Footballers are role models for young kids, it’s a fact; football remains a highly popular sport in Scotland.

The club’s owner, Vladimir Romanov, said last night that Craig Thomson would never play for the club again, while Hearts also released a statement saying that he would depart “imminently”.

Craig Thomson, from Bonnyrigg, was initially suspended last month but he is currently being investigated by police over fresh allegations.

Hearts initially said they would stand by Craig Thomson.

That was a mistake, a complete error of judgement of the public mood.

It was a situation that wasn’t going to get better for them and they have now performed a U-turn and told him to leave.

Anne Houston, chief executive of the charity Children 1st, said:

“We are relieved that the club now accepts the role it must play in minimising the risk of sexual harm to children.

“The reason we got involved in this issue was because of our long-standing commitment to protecting children and ensuring they are safe and secure. This decision by Hearts sends a clear message to children and young people that they are valued and that their experiences will be taken seriously.”

The club’s statement reads:

“The club has considered all implications and has decided to find a solution for the player to leave the club over the forthcoming days.”

Craig Thomosn’s career is now dead, no one will in Scottish football will sign him, he is poison.

Matt Forde, Head of National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Scotland, said the sacking was “the right decision”.

He added:

“Hearts’ decision is in the best interests of children. All sports bodies have a responsibility for ensuring that their activities pose no risk to children, but football plays a special part in the lives of many children and young people and this means our clubs must do their utmost to protect children and keep them safe from harm.”

He went on: “While the internet can be a great resource for young people, it is vital that they are encouraged and supported to follow advice on internet safety and to speak out if they see anything that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable.”

For Hearts fans, this is a victory with many agreeing with the decision to sack Thomson.

One supporter said:

“The only possible workable outcome for the whole mess. Just a shame it wasn’t done when he was first convicted, but better late than never.”

Another said:

“As a parent, totally delighted.”

Football for all its faults is marketed as a family game.

Lothian and Borders Police said officers are making inquiries into separate allegations against Thomson, and are now looking into information passed to them by a third party.

A police spokesman said:

“We are making inquiries into the possibility that another person has grounds for complaint.”

If Craig Thomson goes to court again and is found guilty, he won’t be getting a fine, it will be prison.

Heart of Midlothian did the right thing, the pity is that it took so long for them to get there.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University