Outrageous SFA fine handed out to Hearts

No prizes for guessing who the lucky recipient club is of the SFA`s record fine for player indiscipline this season.

A £100k fine (£40k of it suspended pending further reviews) has been slapped on Hearts for their total crime count of 5 red cards and 86 yellow cards – and one of these red cards occurred in a League Cup tie which is run by the SFL.

After checking some stats, it seems that our red card offenders were Palazuelos (2), Zaliukas, Craig Thomson, Obua and Jonsson – with Jonsson`s being downgraded to a yellow on appeal. So that makes 4 (if you only count SPL games) or 5 (if you include the League Cup at Falkirk) or 6 (if you include Jonsson`s wrongful red card at Ibrox). At least 4 other clubs had 6 or more red cards, yet Hearts have been singled out for further punishment rather than any acknowledgement of the improvement from last season`s 9 red cards.

Admittedly, the 86 yellow cards is the highest in the SPL. Yet Hibs had 6 red cards and over 70 yellow cards, but they don`t get a mention at all in the SFA`s “awards” (by the way, I`m not advocating that our neighbours actually merit a fine ? but the comparison is certainly valid). Bizarrely, Kilmarnock`s discipline record is almost identical to Hibs` – yet the Ayrshire club have been given a “warning”.

So that`s 6 years of increasing fines now, with the latest representing 1% of the club`s income. Spare a thought for lowly Stirling Albion who now face a £3,000 fine which is probably even greater than 1% of its income. Maybe the SFA want to reduce the number of professional clubs in Scotland and this is their chosen method ?

You have to wonder if the overturned red card (Jonsson) plus the continuing cryptic (but accurate) statements from Vladimir about the absurdity of Scottish football have influenced this decision. The SFA Disciplinary Committee will probably be re-constituted as a result of the “vote for change” this week, so perhaps this is their final opportunity to dictate such a harsh punishment without explanation.

The SFA have “commended” Inverness for their good discipline record – no cash award though for them ?. that wouldn`t fit well with the money-making corrupt dictatorship which the SFA has become. Let`s hope Stewart Regan is true to his word, and ensures that the SFA becomes a leaner and more transparent organisation in the coming months.

Good luck to Hearts with the appeal !!