Hearts arbitration verdict: Edinburgh reacts to confirmation of Jambos being dropped to Championship

Hearts fans have been reacting with anger and disappointment to today's decision by an independent arbitration panel to reject a joint legal bid by their club and Partick Thistle to reverse their relegation.

It leaves the Jambos in the Championship and Thistle in League One for next season, with Stranraer also consigned to League Two.

Both Hearts and Partick took legal action against the SPFL after more than 80 per cent of clubs voted to end the 2019/20 campaign based on average points per game.

The decision relegated them and Stranraer, but play-offs were cancelled and promotion from the pyramid below the SPFL was also stopped without any agreement.

Hearts fans have been having their say on the decision. Pic: SNS

Hearts and Thistle petitioned the Court of Session claiming relegations were unlawful and that rules were changed by the SPFL. They argued that Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers should not be promoted, either.

But Lord Alistair Clark QC referred the matter to arbitration as per Scottish Football Association rules on football disputes. An independent panel spent several days hearing submissions from both sides before reaching its conclusion today.

‘Absolutely ludicrous’

It remains to be seen if Hearts or Thistle will pursue the matter further but Jambos supporters have been airing their views on social media about the decision.

On twitter, Ali Hibberd said: "Disappointing, disgusting, disgraceful but entirely predictable from Scottish football."

Another, Angus Coutts, said: "Absolutely ludicrous. See when English fans call our leagues tinpot - this is what they're talking about."

Craig Jeans said: "Like the verdict was ever in doubt"

Sean Lynn said: "Scottish football makes Fifa look squeaky clean! Absolute joke"

Andy Hislop said: "I suppose if it went the other way it could have brought into doubt Celtic's league win. That was never going to happen."

Brian Russell said: "That's ridiculous. The season should have been voided."

Daniel McIver said: "Hearts will be fine. We'll more than likely win that league next season and probably very easily. We're in the top four clubs in the country and have the FOH pumping money in.

"Thistle on the other hand were expelled with a game in hand and could struggle. They're the true victim."

Hibs fans also weighed in on the decision.

On twitter, @scotthehibee, said: "The tears and snotters from Hearts twitter are a joy, wish I’d taken the day's holiday to truly immerse myself in it."

Joyce Combe said: "Bye bye hearts."