Romanov arrived at Hearts almost two years ago

In an open letter posted on The Hearts Supporters' Trust website, the fans have criticised Romanov's leadership.

One line reads: "We are an important sporting institution and you have turned us into a circus freak show."

The Trust claims that Romanov's achievements over the past two seasons are being undone by his recent actions.

Interview: David Orr of the Hearts Supporters' Trust

Romanov was recently involved in the controversy surrounding former captain Steven Pressley, who made a statement to the media regarding "significant unrest" in the Tynecastle dressing room, flanked by fellow players Paul Hartley and Craig Gordon.

All three players were called to individual disciplinary meetings at the club, which ultimately resulted in Steven Pressley's contract being terminated by mutual consent.

What we see now is constant interference, the public humiliation of some of our greatest players and a businessman who seems to see our club as a vanity project. Hearts Supporters' Trust

Scotland midfielder Hartley was left on the bench for the defeat by Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Saturday, but Gordon was recently named club captain.

Both players have remained tight-lipped about the outcome of their respective hearings, while Pressley's signature is currently being pursued by no fewer than six clubs, including Celtic.

Under Romanov's guidance, Hearts won the Tennent's Scottish Cup last season in a thrilling encounter against Gretna, and secured participation in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time in the club's history.

However, the Supporters' Trust letter to Romanov clearly states the fans' concerns about Romanov's involvement iat Tynecastle, accusing him of turning the Edinburgh club into a "circus freak show."

The letter begins by praising Romanov's financial input, but goes on to direct some strongly-worded aspersions towards the Lithuanian-based businessman.

"The truth is that we have gone from being the best thing in Scottish football for decades to being a laughing stock.

"People talk about us but rarely about the football.

"What we see now is constant interference, the public humiliation of some of our greatest players and a businessman who seems to see our club as a vanity project.

"And it is our club. We are the people who are now being mocked at work because of your antics."

The Trust letter also accuses Romanov of direct involvement in Pressley's departure from the club and demands more respect for the fans.

"The way you treated Steven Pressley was, for many of us, the last straw," the letter stated.

"We know him well enough to know that if he thought it was in the best interests of the club to criticise, then there must have been real problems.

"You may have brought money to the club but Elvis (Pressley) has shown not only great class as a footballer but real integrity.

"Your response to being challenged seems to have been the response of the playground bully.

"It now seems that you and the board do not care about results on the pitch.