Craig Levein in SFA chief criticism over Hearts v Hibs semi final and training decision

The fallout from the JRG’s decision to ban training for non-Premiership teams continues

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein has hit out at the Scottish FA and the organisation’s chief executive Ian Maxwell over the decision to ban teams below the Premiership from training.

The Joint Response Group opted to stop non top-flight clubs from training until 24 August despite the Tynecastle side having already returned for pre-season at the start of the month.

Premiership players, from Aberdeen and Celtic, breaking coronavirus guidelines angered the Scottish Government and led to the training decision which angered and baffled Hearts.

Craig Levein has hit out at the SFA over Hearts' training and the Scottish Cup semi final. Picture: SNS

In the club’s statement following the news last week, criticised the idea that it was “the fairest” solution.

Speaking on Monday’s BBC Sportsound, Levein questioned the fairness argument and wondered if it was fair that Hibs have been able to train and play games.

The pair are set to meet in the Scottish Cup final at the end of October or start of January and Easter Road boss Jack Ross admitted sympathy for the situation Hearts find themselves in.

Levein said: “Is it fair that the SFA have stopped all football below the Premier League, and yet their competition will take place when Hibs have an unfair advantage because they’ve been training and playing?

“Maybe we should ask Ian if he’ll stop Hibs from training and playing so Hearts can catch up?

“It’s Hearts again. They’re not going to be prepared for this match in particular. This is a huge game for all Hearts supporters. It’s all right to say we can’t keep making this about Hearts, but Hearts have been bowled over every time that something has happened in the last five or six months.

“And there are people who are getting fed up with this.

“It’s down to money, isn’t it? You can’t keep caning the same club, time after time after time.”

Also on the show, Levein claimed that Greenock Morton and Raith Rovers had complained to the SFA about Hearts being able to continue to train.

It was an accusation which has been refuted by both clubs with Morton complaining to the BBC.