Hearts still to pay supplier

The devastating news that Hamilton Accies were scammed out of £750k prompted Hearts to acknowledge their own victimisation on Friday evening: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm it was the subject of an internet fraud earlier this year. The matter is now part of an active police investigation and therefore no further comment will be made.”

What Hearts didn’t say is that the £80k they intended to pay to their supplier “earlier this year” remains outstanding. You can decide if that’s a result of arrogant bloody-mindedness or a financial tightness. I could believe either. The club should accept that whatever crime took place, they still need to pay their supplier.

This type of scam is far from rare, I know several victims and (literally) dozens who have been targeted in this way. Hearts initial reaction – telling no one about it, is the most common, as it averts reputational damage, but the wider interests are better served by making the scam public’ alerting other potential victims of the need for vigilance.

Hamilton Accies do great and expensive work developing young footballers. I hope the club have the wherewithal to continue.

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