Hearts chairman calls for greater transparency on key decisions

Heart of Midlothian chairman Calum Paterson is calling for “greater transparency and consistency around key decisions in Scottish football”.

Talking to club media to mark his first year in the post, Paterson spoke with pride about coming so close to a first title in 66 years, but also voiced frustration around how last season’s thrilling climax unfolded.

The Edinburgh side topped the Premiership table for 250 days but finished two points behind Celtic after a dramatic final-day defeat in Glasgow.

Lawrence Shankland struck first for the visitors, only for the reigning champions to find two late goals for a 3-1 victory, sparking a pitch invasion from jubilant home fans and a hasty exit for the beaten challengers, who expressed safety fears.

“The final week was difficult on a number of fronts,” said Paterson. “Among other things we were disappointed by the unprecedented decision that as the team leading the league at the time of the split had to play our final game away from home.

“The circumstances at the end of that game were, from our perspective, completely unacceptable.

“We took advice and made our concerns very clear to the football authorities. Standing back from it all we’d like to see greater transparency and consistency around key decisions in Scottish football.

“Standards and processes matter, particularly at important points in the season and there’s room for improvement.”

The SPFL did explain their scheduling in April, with Celtic due three home matches post-split to Hearts’ two. City derbies are ruled out on the final day for public safety reasons, which meant the league body was unable to have both Glasgow or Edinburgh sides play at home on the final two fixture dates.

Having come so close to ending four decades of Old Firm dominance, Paterson added: “The way it ended was really disappointing, especially after everything the players and staff had put into it.

“I think they deserved a better outcome, but we should recognise and pay tribute to them for what they did achieve, which was actually exceptional.”

Paterson addressed frustration surrounding the club’s communication in the aftermath, stressing that it should have been clearer.

“The supporters should know that we did everything we could to stand up for Hearts and we haven’t forgotten what happened last season,” he continued.

“Our focus now has to be on putting Hearts in the best position for this season and beyond and communicating better along the way.”