Neilson understands fans’ anger and hurt

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is adamant irate fans are within their rights to boycott away fixtures following a bitter battle with the SPFL and several of their Championship rivals.

However, the Tynecastle boss has stopped short of calling for the drastic action and admits he would prefer his side to be supported on the road.

Hearts and Partick Thistle failed in their bid to have their respective relegations overturned on Monday when an independent Scottish FA arbitration panel ruled in favour of the governing body and denied an ambitious £8 million compensation claim.

It has left a sour taste for many among the Hearts faithful and, as well as venting their fury at the SPFL, a swathe of fans have expressed a reluctance to visit the likes of Dundee, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline.

Neilson said: “I can totally understand the frustration and annoyance of everybody – the anger and the hurt.

“It (boycotting) is a decision the fans will need to make themselves. We’ll be desperate for the support and we’ll hopefully be able to get it in the home games, but I can totally understand their annoyance at the way things went.”

Neilson was speaking on the day the Championship fixtures were announced, with Hearts handed a visit from Dundee on opening day.

The October 17 curtain-raiser will see Dee chief executive John Nelms arrive at Tynecastle six months after his infamous U-turn proved decisive in the ballot which ultimately relegated the Jambos.

It is also a resumption of hostilities with Dundee for ex-Tannadice boss Neilson, who said: “It’s a great opener for us because Dundee are going to be one of the main contenders with us for the league.

“They’ve been down for a year now and stabilised a bit under James (McPake) and kept the majority of their squad together.

“Them, Inverness and Dunfermline as well have added a number of players so I see Dundee as one of the main competitors in this league.”

Robbie Neilson: Keen to have fans behind the team.