EDINBURGH (AFP) - Controversial Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov could find himself in hot water after the Scottish FA asked him to explain comments attributed to him in a Russian football magazine.

Romanov, whose behaviour has become increasingly bizarre in recent weeks, was quoted as questioning the integrity of match officials at matches involving Celtic and Rangers.

His spokesman later claimed he was misquoted but he also wrote a cryptic website article that seemed to follow similar lines.

In a statement, the SFA said: "The Scottish Football Association have written to Vladimir Romanov to ask for his comments on the article in the Daily Record, which translated an interview he made with the Russian 'Futbol' magazine.

"We have also written to Vladimir Romanov and to Heart Of Midlothian Football Club regarding comments made on the club website last week.

"We await their responses which will be considered at the next meeting of the general purposes committee."

That meeting takes place on April 26, however Romanov has two weeks in which to reply and offer his observations to the SFA.

Romanov made no direct allegations about individual Scottish referees in last Thursday's website statement.

However he said: "To discuss whether referees take money or not is the same as discussing a woman who gives herself with no love.

"Isn't it better to concentrate on the standard of their work instead of looking for reasons for their poor performance?

"A woman cheats herself and nature if she gives herself without love. If a referee officiates a game based on his personal love, he commits a cynical crime, especially when the public has trusted him.

"I respect those referees who take money from two stupid teams and then honestly officiates a game. They do not harm football in any way.

"Though it is bad, still everybody is equal for them. Perhaps that is the reason why football in Italy will never die despite all the scandals that continuously shake it."

Romanov also launched an outburst against the press, whom he describes as monkeys.

He accused the press of trying to sabotage Hearts's championship and European ambitions.

"It is not without your help that traitors were presented as heroes thus showing the road to children for betrayal," he continued.

"You will always call teachers silly because unlike you they lead children along the correct path.

"Protecting your values in that way just spoils not only football, but also a Scotsman's proud name.

"I beg you Mowgli, take the monkeys back to the Safari Park!"

Romanov could pay a heavy price if his latest comments are judged to bring the game into disrepute. Hearts have already been ordered to pay 10,000 pounds (19,500 dollars) to the SFA as a fine for comments Romanov made about referees last season.