Former Hearts chairman Leslie Deans has claimed Hearts could use an interdict to stop football being played next season and called for a crowdfunder to kickstart it.
The prominent Edinburgh lawyer admits the aggressive legal stance wouldn't likely be successful but feels Hearts could feasibly look for £3m in damages should they, as expected, be relegated with games still to play.
Deans has been a significant player in the recent history of the Jambos and was chairman under the ownership of catering businessman Chris Robinson.
And he is happy to put his money where his mouth is, claiming if a fan fund is set up he will make a four figure contribution to "get the ball rolling."
He told BBC Sportsound : "As well as damages which Ann Budge estimated at £3m, Hearts could in theory seek an interdict, which is the Scottish equivalent of an injunction, to prevent football being played if Hearts were excluded.
"My own view is that such an interdict is unlikely. I can't see a court granting it but it could be part of a claim for damages in the same case.
"Expenses could be a stumbling block. My own estimate of a case to Hearts could be between a quarter and half a million pounds.
"But Ann can no doubt ask legal firms to give her an estimate in advance of what legal costs would be.
"I know that Ann did say a few weeks ago that Hearts have lost a £1m of income from home games and a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs.
"There is a big financial loss to Hearts and the way to overcome it would be to start crowd funding under the auspices of the Foundation of Hearts.
"There is 8,000 members. Guys, get together and get the money to the club. I will start the ball rolling personally with a four figure donation. Others can do the same. And remember if Hearts are successful they can ask the court to award costs for the whole action.
"The final thing I would say about the court is being mindful of duties to others that have been wronged I would invite Partick Thistle and Stranraer to join us at no expense to themselves in that action."
