Hearts lose sponsor for retaining sex offender Thomson

Heart of Midlothian's decision to retain the services of Craig Thomson, who was convicted this month of "lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour", has cost the club one of its sponsors.

Hearts allowed the 20-year-old full-back to resume his career with them after he pleaded guilty, was fined and placed on the sex offenders register in relation to his inappropriate conduct towards two under-age girls over the internet.

Now MacB Water has announced that it has withdrawn its support as official water sponsor of the Jambos, a deal worth more than £5,000.

A MacB spokeswoman said: "As a company with strong family values, we are left with no choice but to terminate our relationship with the Hearts Football Club.

"Along with countless others, fans and co-sponsors alike, we are extremely disappointed with the club's handling of this situation and as a result can no longer continue our support."

A spokesman for Hearts said the club had no comment to make on the withdrawal of the sponsorship agreement.

Liverpool offered a pay cut, says Doni

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni has claimed he would have had to take a huge pay cut to join Liverpool. The two clubs reached an agreement over Doni's transfer earlier this month, but the 31-year-old turned down the offer. "I have only received an official offer from Liverpool," Doni said. "But I could not accept those conditions. I would have had my salary cut by 60 per cent. After signing a five-year contract extension with Roma in 2008 and having given a knee for Roma's cause, I am unwilling to give away money."

Rejection hurts for frustrated Rangers

Rangers director of football Gordon Smith is baffled as to why players would choose the Championship over the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns yesterday agreed a move to Leicester City despite interest from the Scottish champions, while another target, Craig Conway, opted to go to Cardiff. Smith said: "My own opinion is that players should be making decisions which are football decisions, rather than financial."