DUNDEE UNITED have completed an investigation into an alleged racist abuse incident in the Scottish Premiership clash with Hibs.
The Tannadice club launched an investigation after a clip shared widely on social media was alleged to contain a racist remark shouted at Jair Tavares.
Dundee United chiefs have now worked alongside Hibs and the host broadcasters to investigate the incident and conclude the shout came from the away support.
A statement updating supporters on the investigation also suggested the shout was derogatory in nature rather than racist - however, it stated there is no way to obtain conclusive proof of the words shouted.
United say they scoured "every available video angle and accompanying audio" as part of the investigation.
The club added that the shout is still not acceptable but stated the immediate reaction to the social media clip offered "unreliable and skewed representation of the incident".
United went on to offer to assist Hibs should they wish to identify the supporter responsible for the shout as they reaffirmed their position as a club against all forms of abuse, be it racist or derogatory.
Hibs, meanwhile, confirmed they will further investigate the incident and insisted the person responsible can be identified then they will face the "strongest action from the club".
A club statement read: "Dundee United FC can confirm it has finished an initial investigation into the incident that occurred shortly before the end of Tuesday night's cinch Premiership fixture victory over Hibernian FC.
"The investigation, completed in conjunction with our counterparts at Hibs and the host broadcasters, included intensive discussions with other stakeholders, focused mainly on the context of the incident.
"During the course of the investigation, we utilised every available video angle and accompanying audio in an attempt to conclusively prove both where the shout emitted from, and also what phrase was shouted.
"Following feedback from the host broadcaster and analysis of the audio mics available, both clubs unequivocally accept that the shout came from the stand housing the away fans.
"While there is no conclusive proof to confirm the words used by the offender, all parties are in agreement, based on the evidence available, that the likelihood is the comment was derogatory rather than racial.
"In no way does this make the abuse acceptable, but it is clear that the initial media clip and reaction by parties after that offered an unreliable and skewed representation of the incident.
"As a club, we are pleased that the unfair representation of our supporters has been rectified. We hope that our calm and concise investigation will end a disappointing experience for our supporters who should have been celebrating victory on the park.
"Dundee United FC offers our continued assistance to Hibernian FC should they wish to attempt to identify the individual responsible for the comment.
"Finally, and importantly, we would like to reiterate our policy as a club regarding racism amongst all forms of derogatory abuse - it is not welcome at Tannadice Park. We do not welcome racists to Tannadice Park.
"As a club, we are proud to have a broad representation of diverse backgrounds and cultures across our club and support."
A Hibs statement added: "Hibernian FC will continue to investigate the matter with Dundee United, the host broadcaster, and other stakeholders, to ensure that the correct outcome is reached. If an individual is identified, then the person will face the strongest action from the Club.
"As a club, Hibernian FC has a zero-tolerance position on all kinds discriminatory and derogatory abuse and finds that behaviour completely abhorrent. It has no place at Hibs, in the game or in wider society.
"Hibernian FC is proud to have players, staff, and supporters from a number of different backgrounds and cultures, and will continue to work alongside all other clubs up and down the county to ensure that all forms of discrimination are kicked out of the game.
"Everyone at Hibernian FC would also like to thank Dundee United, the SPFL, the host broadcaster, and other stakeholders, for acting so quickly on this matter and for the thorough investigation so far."
