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'''Craig Thomson''' (born 17 April 1991) is a [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[association football|footballer]], who plays as a [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|right back]] for [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]]. He has also played at left back and on the right wing. Thomson started his career in the [[Scottish Premier League]] with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]], but was loaned to Lithuanian club [[FBK Kaunas]] after he was convicted of indecent behaviour involving children. Thomson has also represented the [[Scotland national under-21 football team|Scotland under-21 team]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/craig-thomson-hearts_2241487_48439 | title=Player profile - Craig Thomson|publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC | accessdate=3 March 2011}}</ref>
'''Craig Thomson''' (born 17 April 1991) is a [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[association football|footballer]], who plays as a [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|right back]] for [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]]. He has also played at left back and on the right wing. Thomson started his career in the [[Scottish Premier League]] with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]], but was loaned to Lithuanian club [[FBK Kaunas]] after he was convicted of indecent behaviour involving children. Thomson has also represented the [[Scotland national under-21 football team|Scotland under-21 team]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/craig-thomson-hearts_2241487_48439| title=Player profile - Craig Thomson| publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC| accessdate=3 March 2011| deadurl=yes| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105104520/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/craig-thomson-hearts_2241487_48439| archivedate=5 January 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Club career==
==Club career==


===Hearts===
===Hearts===
Thomson made his competitive debut for Hearts on 27 August 2009 in the [[2009-10 Europa League|Europa League]] against [[Dinamo Zagreb]]; Thomson was named as the [[man of the match]] on the official Hearts website.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10289~50641,00.html Hearts 2–0 Dinamo Zagreb], Heart of Midlothian FC, 27 August 2009</ref> He made his [[Scottish Premier League|SPL]] debut 3 days later at [[McDiarmid Park]] in a 2–2 draw with [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]], and was again named as the man of the match by the official Hearts website.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10289~49455,00.html St Johnstone 2–2 Hearts], Heart of Midlothian FC, 30 August 2009.</ref> Thomson earned praise from team-mate [[Marius Zaliukas]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/heartofmidlothianfc/Hearts-Zaliukas-is-39very-proud39.5670976.jp | title=Zal Praise For Thomson | accessdate=3 March 2011}}</ref> and won the SPL young player of the month award for September 2009.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8300721.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Beckham inspires awardee Thomson | date=11 October 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> Thomson impressed with his crossing ability and delivery from corners and free kicks.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1821277,00.html Bending it like Beckham], Heart of Midlothian FC, 11 October 2009</ref> On 31 July 2010, Thomson scored two goals with direct free-kicks in a 3-2 victory over [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] at the [[New Den]] in a pre-season friendly.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100731/match-report-millwall-2-3-hearts_2241384_2107013 Match Report: Millwall 2-3 Hearts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115102615/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100731/match-report-millwall-2-3-hearts_2241384_2107013 |date=15 November 2010 }} Heart of Midlothian FC, 31 July 2010</ref> On 23 April 2011, Thomson scored his first competitive goal for Hearts from the penalty spot, as Hearts surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3–3 with [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] at [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9464359.stm|title= Hearts 3–3 Motherwell |publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=23 April 2011}}</ref>
Thomson made his competitive debut for Hearts on 27 August 2009 in the [[2009-10 Europa League|Europa League]] against [[Dinamo Zagreb]]; Thomson was named as the [[man of the match]] on the official Hearts website.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10289~50641,00.html Hearts 2–0 Dinamo Zagreb] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002064118/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10289~50641%2C00.html |date=2 October 2009 }}, Heart of Midlothian FC, 27 August 2009</ref> He made his [[Scottish Premier League|SPL]] debut 3 days later at [[McDiarmid Park]] in a 2–2 draw with [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]], and was again named as the man of the match by the official Hearts website.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10289~49455,00.html St Johnstone 2–2 Hearts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005051623/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10289~49455%2C00.html |date=5 October 2009 }}, Heart of Midlothian FC, 30 August 2009.</ref> Thomson earned praise from team-mate [[Marius Zaliukas]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/heartofmidlothianfc/Hearts-Zaliukas-is-39very-proud39.5670976.jp | title=Zal Praise For Thomson | accessdate=3 March 2011}}</ref> and won the SPL young player of the month award for September 2009.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8300721.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Beckham inspires awardee Thomson | date=11 October 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> Thomson impressed with his crossing ability and delivery from corners and free kicks.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1821277,00.html Bending it like Beckham] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015001245/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10289~1821277%2C00.html |date=15 October 2009 }}, Heart of Midlothian FC, 11 October 2009</ref> On 31 July 2010, Thomson scored two goals with direct free-kicks in a 3-2 victory over [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] at the [[New Den]] in a pre-season friendly.<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100731/match-report-millwall-2-3-hearts_2241384_2107013 Match Report: Millwall 2-3 Hearts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115102615/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100731/match-report-millwall-2-3-hearts_2241384_2107013 |date=15 November 2010 }} Heart of Midlothian FC, 31 July 2010</ref> On 23 April 2011, Thomson scored his first competitive goal for Hearts from the penalty spot, as Hearts surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3–3 with [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] at [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9464359.stm|title= Hearts 3–3 Motherwell |publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=23 April 2011}}</ref>


Thomson was convicted on 17 June at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after admitting 'lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour' towards two girls aged 12 and 14. He admitted to showing them male genitalia, asking the older one for sex and engaging them in sexual chat. He was fined £4,000 and placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Thomson was loaned to Lithuanian club [[FBK Kaunas]].<ref name = "limbo"/> He returned to Scotland at the end of the [[2011 A Lyga|Lithuanian football season]] in November 2011, but was not invited to train with Hearts.<ref name = "limbo"/><ref name = "thomson return"/> Thomson was unable to play for a club until January 2012 because of the [[transfer window]] rules.<ref name = "limbo">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/other-sport/hearts_sex_offender_craig_thomson_s_future_in_limbo_as_loan_deal_ends_1_1958600|title=Hearts sex offender Craig Thomson’s future in limbo as loan deal ends|work=Edinburgh Evening News|publisher=Johnston Press|date=10 November 2011|accessdate=10 November 2011}}</ref> After making no appearance for the club in the 2012-13 season, Hearts announced that Thomson has been released and cutting his £1,500 weekly salary from the club's wage bill.<ref name="Hearts confirm final release of Craig Thomson">{{cite news|title=Hearts confirm final release of Craig Thomson|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/top-football-stories/hearts-confirm-final-release-of-craig-thomson-1-2952330|publisher=Scotsman|date=3 June 2013|accessdate=3 June 2013}}</ref>
Thomson was convicted on 17 June at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after admitting 'lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour' towards two girls aged 12 and 14. He admitted to showing them male genitalia, asking the older one for sex and engaging them in sexual chat. He was fined £4,000 and placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Thomson was loaned to Lithuanian club [[FBK Kaunas]].<ref name = "limbo"/> He returned to Scotland at the end of the [[2011 A Lyga|Lithuanian football season]] in November 2011, but was not invited to train with Hearts.<ref name = "limbo"/><ref name = "thomson return"/> Thomson was unable to play for a club until January 2012 because of the [[transfer window]] rules.<ref name = "limbo">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/other-sport/hearts_sex_offender_craig_thomson_s_future_in_limbo_as_loan_deal_ends_1_1958600|title=Hearts sex offender Craig Thomson’s future in limbo as loan deal ends|work=Edinburgh Evening News|publisher=Johnston Press|date=10 November 2011|accessdate=10 November 2011}}</ref> After making no appearance for the club in the 2012-13 season, Hearts announced that Thomson has been released and cutting his £1,500 weekly salary from the club's wage bill.<ref name="Hearts confirm final release of Craig Thomson">{{cite news|title=Hearts confirm final release of Craig Thomson|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/top-football-stories/hearts-confirm-final-release-of-craig-thomson-1-2952330|publisher=Scotsman|date=3 June 2013|accessdate=3 June 2013}}</ref>


=== FBK Kaunas ===
=== FBK Kaunas ===
On 10 July 2011, Hearts announced that Thomson would leave the club imminently, following his conviction for indecent behaviour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110710/craig-thomson_2241384_2389813 | title=Craig Thomson Statement | publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC | work=Hearts News | date=10 July 2011 | accessdate=10 July 2011}}</ref> Thomson made 52 appearances in all competitions for Hearts. He was loaned to [[FBK Kaunas]], another club owned by Hearts majority shareholder [[Vladimir Romanov]], on 31 July.<ref name="lith">{{cite news|url=http://www.fbk.lt/index.php/naujienos/pirma_karta_lietuvoje_rungtyniaus_skotas/6533 |title=Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje rungtyniaus škotas |publisher=[[FBK Kaunas]] |date=31 July 2011 |accessdate=31 July 2011 |language=lt |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002025909/http://www.fbk.lt/index.php/naujienos/pirma_karta_lietuvoje_rungtyniaus_skotas/6533 |archivedate=2 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> This meant that Thomson became the first Scottish footballer to play in Lithuania.<ref name ="lith"/> Thomson played for Kaunas until the end of the [[2011 A Lyga|2011 Lithuanian season]], in November.<ref name = "limbo"/><ref>{{cite news|publisher=STV Sport |date=31 July 2011|accessdate=1 August 2011|title=Craig Thomson leaves Hearts for Kaunas|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/hearts/264481-craig-thomson-leaves-hearts-for-kaunas/}}</ref> On 31 July 2011, Thomson made his debut for Kaunas and provided assist for [[Evaldas Razulis]] in a 3-1 win over [[FK Kruoja Pakruojis]]. On 28 August 2011, Thomson scored his first goal in A Lyga league and scored again in a 2–1 win over [[FK Sūduva Marijampolė|Sūduva Marijampolė]]. On 17 September 2011, Thomson scored his third goal in a 4–3 win over [[FK Atlantas]]. seven days later on 24 September 2011, Thomson scored twice in a 3–2 loss against [[FK Mažeikiai]]. Thomson made 14 league appearance and scored five goals for FBK Kaunas.{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}
On 10 July 2011, Hearts announced that Thomson would leave the club imminently, following his conviction for indecent behaviour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110710/craig-thomson_2241384_2389813 | title=Craig Thomson Statement | publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC | work=Hearts News | date=10 July 2011 | accessdate=10 July 2011 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712150341/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110710/craig-thomson_2241384_2389813 | archivedate=12 July 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Thomson made 52 appearances in all competitions for Hearts. He was loaned to [[FBK Kaunas]], another club owned by Hearts majority shareholder [[Vladimir Romanov]], on 31 July.<ref name="lith">{{cite news|url=http://www.fbk.lt/index.php/naujienos/pirma_karta_lietuvoje_rungtyniaus_skotas/6533 |title=Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje rungtyniaus škotas |publisher=[[FBK Kaunas]] |date=31 July 2011 |accessdate=31 July 2011 |language=lt |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002025909/http://www.fbk.lt/index.php/naujienos/pirma_karta_lietuvoje_rungtyniaus_skotas/6533 |archivedate=2 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> This meant that Thomson became the first Scottish footballer to play in Lithuania.<ref name ="lith"/> Thomson played for Kaunas until the end of the [[2011 A Lyga|2011 Lithuanian season]], in November.<ref name = "limbo"/><ref>{{cite news|publisher=STV Sport |date=31 July 2011|accessdate=1 August 2011|title=Craig Thomson leaves Hearts for Kaunas|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/hearts/264481-craig-thomson-leaves-hearts-for-kaunas/}}</ref> On 31 July 2011, Thomson made his debut for Kaunas and provided assist for [[Evaldas Razulis]] in a 3-1 win over [[FK Kruoja Pakruojis]]. On 28 August 2011, Thomson scored his first goal in A Lyga league and scored again in a 2–1 win over [[FK Sūduva Marijampolė|Sūduva Marijampolė]]. On 17 September 2011, Thomson scored his third goal in a 4–3 win over [[FK Atlantas]]. seven days later on 24 September 2011, Thomson scored twice in a 3–2 loss against [[FK Mažeikiai]]. Thomson made 14 league appearance and scored five goals for FBK Kaunas.{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}


===FK Sūduva===
===FK Sūduva===
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==International career==
==International career==
Having featured for [[Scotland national under-19 football team|Scotland U19]], Thomson made his [[Scotland national under-21 football team|Scotland U21]] debut in a 3–1 victory over [[Northern Ireland national under-21 football team|Northern Ireland U21]] at [[Firhill]] on 17 November 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3338220,00.html |title=Young Scots overcome NI|publisher=Sky Sports|date= 17 November 2010}}</ref> His second appearance at under-21 level came in a friendly 1–0 defeat to [[Belgium national under-21 football team|Belgium U21]], after which he was singled out for praise by manager [[Billy Stark]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110325/tommos-top-display_2241384_2323922 |title=Tommo's top display|publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC| date=25 March 2011}}</ref>
Having featured for [[Scotland national under-19 football team|Scotland U19]], Thomson made his [[Scotland national under-21 football team|Scotland U21]] debut in a 3–1 victory over [[Northern Ireland national under-21 football team|Northern Ireland U21]] at [[Firhill]] on 17 November 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3338220,00.html |title=Young Scots overcome NI|publisher=Sky Sports|date= 17 November 2010}}</ref> His second appearance at under-21 level came in a friendly 1–0 defeat to [[Belgium national under-21 football team|Belgium U21]], after which he was singled out for praise by manager [[Billy Stark]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110325/tommos-top-display_2241384_2323922|title=Tommo's top display|publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC|date=25 March 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918130339/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110325/tommos-top-display_2241384_2323922|archivedate=18 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==
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== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
In June 2011, Thomson was put on the [[Violent and Sex Offender Register|sex offenders' register]] for 5 years and fined [[Pound sterling|£]]4,000 after he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent behaviour.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13808562 |title=Footballer placed on sex offenders register |work=BBC News|publisher=BBC |date=17 June 2011 |accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> The charges were related to "sexual conversations" that he had had with two [[Age of consent|underage]] girls over the internet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/Hearts39-Craig-Thomson-guilty-of.6786618.jp |title=Hearts' Craig Thomson guilty of preying on underage girls |last=Gyford |first=Sue |work=Scotsman.com |date=17 June 2011 |publisher=Johnston Press|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> Despite calls from fans for Thomson to be dismissed,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2011/06/18/hearts-fans-demand-sacking-of-pervert-craig-thomson-after-he-uses-internet-to-prey-on-girls-86908-23209319/ |publisher=Trinity Mirror| title=Hearts fans demand sacking |date=18 June 2011 | accessdate=26 June 2011|work=Daily Record}}</ref> the club after a full investigation<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110624/craig-thomson_2241384_2381621 | title=Craig Thomson | accessdate=26 June 2011|date=24 June 2011|publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC}}</ref> opted to allow Thomson to stay at the club, acknowledging that his actions were unacceptable but claiming that there were sufficient mitigating circumstances.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/Craig-Thomson-to-stay-at.6790728.jp | title=Craig Thomson to stay | accessdate=26 June 2011|work=Scotsman.com|publisher=Johnston Press|date=24 June 2011|first=David|last=Gunn}}</ref> Hearts' decision was criticised by the mother of one of his victims<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2011/06/26/victim-s-mum-reveals-full-horror-of-hearts-star-craig-thomson-s-depravity-86908-23228208/|title=Victim's mum reveals full horror of Hearts star Craig Thomson's depravity |work=Sunday Mail|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=Lauren|last=Crooks|date=26 June 2011|accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref> and a children's charity,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13918842|title=Hearts urged to sack online sex offender Craig Thomson|publisher=BBC |work=BBC News|date=26 June 2011|accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref> while a water supplier withdrew their sponsorship of the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13927452|title=Craig Thomson row: Drinks sponsor macb ends Hearts deal|publisher=BBC |work=BBC News|date=27 June 2011|accessdate=27 June 2011}}</ref> Days after their decision to retain Thomson, Hearts suspended him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13941955.stm|title=Hearts suspend sex offender Craig Thomson|publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=28 June 2011|accessdate=28 June 2011}}</ref>
In June 2011, Thomson was put on the [[Violent and Sex Offender Register|sex offenders' register]] for 5 years and fined [[Pound sterling|£]]4,000 after he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent behaviour.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13808562 |title=Footballer placed on sex offenders register |work=BBC News|publisher=BBC |date=17 June 2011 |accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> The charges were related to "sexual conversations" that he had had with two [[Age of consent|underage]] girls over the internet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/Hearts39-Craig-Thomson-guilty-of.6786618.jp |title=Hearts' Craig Thomson guilty of preying on underage girls |last=Gyford |first=Sue |work=Scotsman.com |date=17 June 2011 |publisher=Johnston Press|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> Despite calls from fans for Thomson to be dismissed,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2011/06/18/hearts-fans-demand-sacking-of-pervert-craig-thomson-after-he-uses-internet-to-prey-on-girls-86908-23209319/ |publisher=Trinity Mirror| title=Hearts fans demand sacking |date=18 June 2011 | accessdate=26 June 2011|work=Daily Record}}</ref> the club after a full investigation<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110624/craig-thomson_2241384_2381621 | title=Craig Thomson | accessdate=26 June 2011 | date=24 June 2011 | publisher=Heart of Midlothian FC | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626021208/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20110624/craig-thomson_2241384_2381621 | archivedate=26 June 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> opted to allow Thomson to stay at the club, acknowledging that his actions were unacceptable but claiming that there were sufficient mitigating circumstances.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/Craig-Thomson-to-stay-at.6790728.jp | title=Craig Thomson to stay | accessdate=26 June 2011|work=Scotsman.com|publisher=Johnston Press|date=24 June 2011|first=David|last=Gunn}}</ref> Hearts' decision was criticised by the mother of one of his victims<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2011/06/26/victim-s-mum-reveals-full-horror-of-hearts-star-craig-thomson-s-depravity-86908-23228208/|title=Victim's mum reveals full horror of Hearts star Craig Thomson's depravity |work=Sunday Mail|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=Lauren|last=Crooks|date=26 June 2011|accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref> and a children's charity,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13918842|title=Hearts urged to sack online sex offender Craig Thomson|publisher=BBC |work=BBC News|date=26 June 2011|accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref> while a water supplier withdrew their sponsorship of the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13927452|title=Craig Thomson row: Drinks sponsor macb ends Hearts deal|publisher=BBC |work=BBC News|date=27 June 2011|accessdate=27 June 2011}}</ref> Days after their decision to retain Thomson, Hearts suspended him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13941955.stm|title=Hearts suspend sex offender Craig Thomson|publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=28 June 2011|accessdate=28 June 2011}}</ref>


Hearts announced on 10 July that Thomson would leave the club, following a further disciplinary meeting with majority shareholder [[Vladimir Romanov]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14099136.stm|title=Convicted defender Craig Thomson to part with Hearts|first=Brian|last=McLauchlin|publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=10 July 2011|accessdate=10 July 2011}}</ref> It was not apparent, however, whether Thomson would be [[free transfer (football)|released]] by Hearts, or transferred to another club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/hearts-urged-to-clear-up-thomsons-position-2311880.html|title=Hearts urged to clear up Thomson's position|work=The Independent|author=Press Association|date=11 July 2011|accessdate=11 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/heartofmidlothianfc/Kaunas-no-go-for-disgraced.6800102.jp|title=Kaunas no go for disgraced Hearts star Thomson|work=Scotsman.com|publisher=Johnston Press|first=Barry|last=Anderson|date=12 July 2011|accessdate=12 July 2011}}</ref> On 31 July, he was loaned to [[FBK Kaunas]], another club controlled by Romanov.<ref name ="lith"/> Thomson returned to Scotland at the end of his loan spell.<ref name = "thomson return">{{cite news|publisher=STV News |date=9 November 2011|accessdate=9 November 2011|title=Hearts' Craig Thomson in limbo after return from Kaunas|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/hearts/278385-craig-thomson-in-limbo-after-return-from-kaunas/}}</ref> He has since been released by Hearts.
Hearts announced on 10 July that Thomson would leave the club, following a further disciplinary meeting with majority shareholder [[Vladimir Romanov]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14099136.stm|title=Convicted defender Craig Thomson to part with Hearts|first=Brian|last=McLauchlin|publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport|date=10 July 2011|accessdate=10 July 2011}}</ref> It was not apparent, however, whether Thomson would be [[free transfer (football)|released]] by Hearts, or transferred to another club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/hearts-urged-to-clear-up-thomsons-position-2311880.html|title=Hearts urged to clear up Thomson's position|work=The Independent|author=Press Association|date=11 July 2011|accessdate=11 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/heartofmidlothianfc/Kaunas-no-go-for-disgraced.6800102.jp|title=Kaunas no go for disgraced Hearts star Thomson|work=Scotsman.com|publisher=Johnston Press|first=Barry|last=Anderson|date=12 July 2011|accessdate=12 July 2011}}</ref> On 31 July, he was loaned to [[FBK Kaunas]], another club controlled by Romanov.<ref name ="lith"/> Thomson returned to Scotland at the end of his loan spell.<ref name = "thomson return">{{cite news|publisher=STV News |date=9 November 2011|accessdate=9 November 2011|title=Hearts' Craig Thomson in limbo after return from Kaunas|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/hearts/278385-craig-thomson-in-limbo-after-return-from-kaunas/}}</ref> He has since been released by Hearts.
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== External links==
== External links==
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* [http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/craig-thomson-hearts_2241487_48439 Player profile: Craig Thomson] Heart of Midlothian FC
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110105104520/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/craig-thomson-hearts_2241487_48439 Player profile: Craig Thomson] Heart of Midlothian FC


{{Edinburgh City F.C. squad}}
{{Edinburgh City F.C. squad}}

Revision as of 03:49, 14 August 2017

For other people named Craig Thomson, see Craig Thomson (disambiguation).

Craig Thomson
Personal information
Date of birth (1991-04-17) 17 April 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Edinburgh, Scotland
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Right back
Team information
Current team
 Edinburgh City
Number 7
Youth career
Heart of Midlothian
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2012 Heart of Midlothian 47 (1)
2011 → FBK Kaunas (loan) 14 (5)
2012 → FK Sūduva (loan) 16 (3)
2014 Arniston Rangers
2014–2016 Newtongrange Star
2016–2017 Kelty Hearts
2017– Edinburgh City 2 (0)
International career
2009 Scotland U19 2 (0)
2010 Scotland U21 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:16, 13 August 2017 (UTC)

Craig Thomson (born 17 April 1991) is a Scottish footballer, who plays as a right back for Edinburgh City. He has also played at left back and on the right wing. Thomson started his career in the Scottish Premier League with Heart of Midlothian, but was loaned to Lithuanian club FBK Kaunas after he was convicted of indecent behaviour involving children. Thomson has also represented the Scotland under-21 team.[1]

Club career

Hearts

Thomson made his competitive debut for Hearts on 27 August 2009 in the Europa League against Dinamo Zagreb; Thomson was named as the man of the match on the official Hearts website.[2] He made his SPL debut 3 days later at McDiarmid Park in a 2–2 draw with St Johnstone, and was again named as the man of the match by the official Hearts website.[3] Thomson earned praise from team-mate Marius Zaliukas,[4] and won the SPL young player of the month award for September 2009.[5] Thomson impressed with his crossing ability and delivery from corners and free kicks.[6] On 31 July 2010, Thomson scored two goals with direct free-kicks in a 3-2 victory over Millwall at the New Den in a pre-season friendly.[7] On 23 April 2011, Thomson scored his first competitive goal for Hearts from the penalty spot, as Hearts surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3–3 with Motherwell at Tynecastle.[8]

Thomson was convicted on 17 June at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after admitting 'lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour' towards two girls aged 12 and 14. He admitted to showing them male genitalia, asking the older one for sex and engaging them in sexual chat. He was fined £4,000 and placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Thomson was loaned to Lithuanian club FBK Kaunas.[9] He returned to Scotland at the end of the Lithuanian football season in November 2011, but was not invited to train with Hearts.[9][10] Thomson was unable to play for a club until January 2012 because of the transfer window rules.[9] After making no appearance for the club in the 2012-13 season, Hearts announced that Thomson has been released and cutting his £1,500 weekly salary from the club's wage bill.[11]

FBK Kaunas

On 10 July 2011, Hearts announced that Thomson would leave the club imminently, following his conviction for indecent behaviour.[12] Thomson made 52 appearances in all competitions for Hearts. He was loaned to FBK Kaunas, another club owned by Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, on 31 July.[13] This meant that Thomson became the first Scottish footballer to play in Lithuania.[13] Thomson played for Kaunas until the end of the 2011 Lithuanian season, in November.[9][14] On 31 July 2011, Thomson made his debut for Kaunas and provided assist for Evaldas Razulis in a 3-1 win over FK Kruoja Pakruojis. On 28 August 2011, Thomson scored his first goal in A Lyga league and scored again in a 2–1 win over Sūduva Marijampolė. On 17 September 2011, Thomson scored his third goal in a 4–3 win over FK Atlantas. seven days later on 24 September 2011, Thomson scored twice in a 3–2 loss against FK Mažeikiai. Thomson made 14 league appearance and scored five goals for FBK Kaunas.[citation needed]

FK Sūduva

On 9 March 2012,[15] Thomson signed for Lithuanian A-Lyga side FK Sūduva on loan.[16] On 17 March 2012, Thomson scored on his debut for FK Suduva, in a 4–1 win over FK Tauras Tauragė.[citation needed] In August, Thomson made a return to Hearts after his loan spell at Sūduva had ended.[17]

Career After Hearts

Following his release from Hearts, Thomson moved to Cypriot side AEP Paphos.[18] However, the move was broken down after the club found out his conviction for sexual offences.[19] After being without a club for some time, Thomson returned to the game in March 2014 with local Junior side Arniston Rangers.[20][21] He moved on to Newtongrange Star in July 2014 and joined Kelty Hearts two years later.[22][23] Thomson spent two years with Kelty Hearts, helping the side win the SJFA East Superleague title in 2017, before returning to the Scottish football league system with Scottish League Two club Edinburgh City on 3 July 2017.[24][25]

International career

Having featured for Scotland U19, Thomson made his Scotland U21 debut in a 3–1 victory over Northern Ireland U21 at Firhill on 17 November 2010.[26] His second appearance at under-21 level came in a friendly 1–0 defeat to Belgium U21, after which he was singled out for praise by manager Billy Stark.[27]

Career statistics

Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Total
Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
Heart of Midlothian
2009–10 20 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 23 0 3
2010–11 27 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 - - - 29 1 4
Total 47 1 6 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 52 1 7

Personal awards and achievements

Personal life

In June 2011, Thomson was put on the sex offenders' register for 5 years and fined £4,000 after he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent behaviour.[29] The charges were related to "sexual conversations" that he had had with two underage girls over the internet.[30] Despite calls from fans for Thomson to be dismissed,[31] the club after a full investigation[32] opted to allow Thomson to stay at the club, acknowledging that his actions were unacceptable but claiming that there were sufficient mitigating circumstances.[33] Hearts' decision was criticised by the mother of one of his victims[34] and a children's charity,[35] while a water supplier withdrew their sponsorship of the club.[36] Days after their decision to retain Thomson, Hearts suspended him.[37]

Hearts announced on 10 July that Thomson would leave the club, following a further disciplinary meeting with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.[38] It was not apparent, however, whether Thomson would be released by Hearts, or transferred to another club.[39][40] On 31 July, he was loaned to FBK Kaunas, another club controlled by Romanov.[13] Thomson returned to Scotland at the end of his loan spell.[10] He has since been released by Hearts.

In November 2011, Thomson was arrested and charged with grooming offence once again after "trying to lure a 12-year-old girl into meeting up with him more than two years ago."[41] After a year being charged, Edinburgh Evening News reported that Thomson has been cleared for his actions on grooming, due to lack of evidence.[42] Upon his release, Thomson continues to remain as a sex offenders register for another three years.[11]

In late 2013, Thomson is facing police charge after being reported by Midlothian Council officials for working as an unlicensed window cleaner.[43]

References

  1. ^ "Player profile - Craig Thomson". Heart of Midlothian FC. Archived from the original on 5 January 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Hearts 2–0 Dinamo Zagreb Archived 2 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Heart of Midlothian FC, 27 August 2009
  3. ^ St Johnstone 2–2 Hearts Archived 5 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Heart of Midlothian FC, 30 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Zal Praise For Thomson". Retrieved 3 March 2011.
  5. ^ "Beckham inspires awardee Thomson". BBC Sport. 11 October 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  6. ^ Bending it like Beckham Archived 15 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Heart of Midlothian FC, 11 October 2009
  7. ^ Match Report: Millwall 2-3 Hearts Archived 15 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Heart of Midlothian FC, 31 July 2010
  8. ^ "Hearts 3–3 Motherwell". BBC Sport. BBC. 23 April 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d "Hearts sex offender Craig Thomson's future in limbo as loan deal ends". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Press. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Hearts' Craig Thomson in limbo after return from Kaunas". STV News. 9 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  11. ^ a b "Hearts confirm final release of Craig Thomson". Scotsman. 3 June 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  12. ^ "Craig Thomson Statement". Hearts News. Heart of Midlothian FC. 10 July 2011. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b c "Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje rungtyniaus škotas" (in Lithuanian). FBK Kaunas. 31 July 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "Craig Thomson leaves Hearts for Kaunas". STV Sport. 31 July 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  15. ^ „Sūduvą“ papildė škotas Archived 13 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine FK Sūduva, 9 March 2012
  16. ^ "Hearts' Craig Thomson returns to Lithuania". STV. STV Group. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  17. ^ "Sunday's Scottish gossip". BBC Sport. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  18. ^ Επίσημη πρώτη με μεταγραφή (in Greek). kerkida.net. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2013.
  19. ^ "Paeodophile footballer Craig Thomson almost lands deal with Cypriot club.. before they discover his pervert past". Daily Record. 6 September 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  20. ^ "6 former young players of the month who 'vanished'". The Scotsman. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  21. ^ "Shamed star Craig Thomson signs for Arniston Rangers". Midlothian Advertiser. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  22. ^ Thomson, Scott (14 July 2014). "Craig Thomson signs for Newtongrange Star". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  23. ^ Kelty Hearts [@KeltyHeartsJFC] (14 July 2016). "Kelty are delighted to announce the signing of Craig Thomson from Newtongrange" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 July 2016 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "Sex offender Craig Thomson signs for Edinburgh City". BBC. BBC Sport. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  25. ^ Pilcher, Ross (3 July 2017). "Edinburgh City sign shamed former Hearts player Craig Thomson". Scotsman. Johnston Publishing Ltd. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  26. ^ "Young Scots overcome NI". Sky Sports. 17 November 2010.
  27. ^ "Tommo's top display". Heart of Midlothian FC. 25 March 2011. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ "Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for September". cbfootball.co.uk. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
  29. ^ "Footballer placed on sex offenders register". BBC News. BBC. 17 June 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  30. ^ Gyford, Sue (17 June 2011). "Hearts' Craig Thomson guilty of preying on underage girls". Scotsman.com. Johnston Press. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  31. ^ "Hearts fans demand sacking". Daily Record. Trinity Mirror. 18 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  32. ^ "Craig Thomson". Heart of Midlothian FC. 24 June 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Gunn, David (24 June 2011). "Craig Thomson to stay". Scotsman.com. Johnston Press. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  34. ^ Crooks, Lauren (26 June 2011). "Victim's mum reveals full horror of Hearts star Craig Thomson's depravity". Sunday Mail. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  35. ^ "Hearts urged to sack online sex offender Craig Thomson". BBC News. BBC. 26 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  36. ^ "Craig Thomson row: Drinks sponsor macb ends Hearts deal". BBC News. BBC. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  37. ^ "Hearts suspend sex offender Craig Thomson". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 June 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  38. ^ McLauchlin, Brian (10 July 2011). "Convicted defender Craig Thomson to part with Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  39. ^ Press Association (11 July 2011). "Hearts urged to clear up Thomson's position". The Independent. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  40. ^ Anderson, Barry (12 July 2011). "Kaunas no go for disgraced Hearts star Thomson". Scotsman.com. Johnston Press. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  41. ^ "Hearts star Craig Thomson arrested". The Scotsman. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  42. ^ "Shamed Hearts star Craig Thomson cleared of preying on 12-year-old girl". Edinburgh Evening News. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  43. ^ "Ex-Hearts star Craig Thomson facing police probe". Edinburgh Evening News. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
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