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Page last updated at 14:46 GMT, Friday, 18 September 2009 15:46 UK

Hearts fine Kingston over conduct

Csaba Laszlo and Laryea Kingston
Laszlo's relationship with Kingston has become strained this season

Midfielder Laryea Kingston has been fined four weeks' wages by Hearts following a breach of club discipline.

Hearts have described as "unacceptable" Kingston's conduct "in the period following Hearts' game against St Johnstone on 30 August".

However, the Tynecastle club say the fine is unrelated to the Ghana player's decision to feature for his country during the recent international break.

Kingston played twice for Ghana despite making no Hearts appearances this term.

"The penalty reflects the seriousness of the disciplinary breach and is the maximum that could be imposed in line with the SPL guidelines," added Hearts.

But Kingston's agent told BBC Scotland that the midfielder wants to put the controversy behind him and get back to playing for Hearts on a regular basis.

Ayrat Imamov said that talks between the player and the club over the past few days were "fruitful" and that there is now no contradiction between club and country.

Imamov also say that he feels the fine of four weeks wages for a breach of club discipline could have been less, but he was unsure if the player will appeal the decision.

MY SPORT: DEBATE

Last week, Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo hinted that he may exclude Kingston from the first team if the 28-year-old was not prepared to show the correct commitment.

"If you only come in my dressing room to keep your fitness, you can always go," said Laszlo.

"You can do this in an amateur team.

"The door is always open for you to go out."

But Kingston, who was considered to be injured by Hearts, responded: "If the coach has a problem with me he should simply say so and not use my national team commitment against me.

"I have played for a lot of clubs but I can play for only one national team.

"I am like a soldier who must stand up for his country at anytime."



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see also
Kingston hits back at Hearts boss
11 Sep 09 |  African
Laszlo prepared to ditch Kingston
10 Sep 09 |  Hearts
Kingston hopes to skipper Hearts
20 Jul 09 |  Hearts


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