Hearts chairman calls for greater transparency on key decisions

Hearts chairman Paterson calls for greater transparency in Scottish football decisions after last season's final-day title loss to Celtic.

Hearts chairman Calum Paterson has called for "greater transparency and consistency around key decisions in Scottish football" as he reflects on his first year in the role.

Speaking to club media, Paterson expressed frustration over how last season's title race concluded. Hearts topped the Premiership for 250 days but finished two points behind Celtic after a 3-1 defeat in Glasgow on the final day, with Lawrence Shankland scoring first before late Celtic goals secured the win. The match ended with a pitch invasion and safety concerns for the visiting Hearts supporters.

Paterson was particularly critical of the scheduling decision that saw Hearts play their final match away from home despite leading the league at the split. He said the circumstances at the end of that game were "completely unacceptable" and that the club made their concerns clear to the football authorities. The SPFL had explained their scheduling in April, citing that Celtic were due three home matches post-split to Hearts' two, and that city derbies are ruled out on the final day for public safety reasons.

Looking ahead, Paterson confirmed the club is in discussions about increased investment at Tynecastle and is searching for a new chief executive to replace Andrew McKinlay.