'Dereliction of duty' - Michael Stewart raises concerns about relegating Hearts as SPFL want to declare league

The SPFL reportedly want the league declare finished now
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ex-Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart has issued his concern at the SPFL relegating Hearts.

According to reports in a newspaper on Saturday morning, the country’s league organisation are set to press ahead and declare the Ladbrokes Premiership finished with Celtic as champions and the Tynecastle side demoted to the Championship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Uefa, alongside the European Club Association and European Leagues, issued a strong statement on Friday warning leagues from concluding their season.

The SPFL are hoping to call the current Scottish Premiership season finished, according to reports. Picture: SNSThe SPFL are hoping to call the current Scottish Premiership season finished, according to reports. Picture: SNS
The SPFL are hoping to call the current Scottish Premiership season finished, according to reports. Picture: SNS

Signed by president Aleksander Ceferin, it stated: “Abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified”.

Uefa are keen to get leagues back up and running in July and August, possibly behind closed doors, if guidance from governments and health officials allow it.

The Daily Record report that the SPFL are set to call Uefa’s “bluff” and are awaiting legal advice as to how to proceed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Belgian top-flight announced their intention to declare the season finished with the current rankings which prompted Uefa to warn about European places.

Michael Stewart (centre) has warned against relegating Hearts. Picture: SNSMichael Stewart (centre) has warned against relegating Hearts. Picture: SNS
Michael Stewart (centre) has warned against relegating Hearts. Picture: SNS

Concerns have been raised in Scotland about the switch in TV deals this summer as well as a desire to issue prize money to clubs struggling financially.

Stewart, however, raised his concerns about demoting Hearts when they still have 24 points to play for to secure their Premiership status.

The Jam Tarts are currently bottom of the league four points adrift of Hamilton Academical in the play-off zone – there has been no guidance as to what to do with the play-offs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Stewart tweeted: “Finishing the season and relegating Hearts now when so many things remain unknown would be a dereliction of duty from the SPFL.

“There are options that need to be explored. This would lead to all sorts of costly litigation at a time when we should be pulling together.”