Romanov denies Old Firm corruption claims

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

GLASGOW (AFP) — Controversial Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has denied comments attributed to him claiming that Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic "buy off" players and referees in Scotland.

Romanov's reported claims were made in Russian magazine Futbol and reprinted by Scottish tabloid, the Daily Record.

According to the Record's translation of the interview, Romanov said: "Celtic and Rangers? Even (Lithuania's) Kaunas are a match for them on the pitch.

"They have turned football into a type of showbusiness with their underhand games. They buy off players and referees. When it comes to weaker teams then nobody can help.

"But if two opponents are equally matched then the referees can have a real influence on the outcome."

However, in a...