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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Hibs' Jair Tavares targeted with alleged racist abuse as club urge Dundee United investigation

HIBS' Jair Tavares was last night targeted with alleged racist abuse during Dundee United's win over Hibs.

The midfielder appeared to be trying to speed up play with his team 1-0 down in the latter stages when alleged abuse came from a supporter inside Tannadice.

A short clip shared by Livingston assistant Marvin Bartley includes the alleged racist shout.

The clip of the alleged incident appears to highlight a shout of "black b******".

Livingston assistant Bartley - who is also equality and diversity advisor to the Scottish FA - called out the alleged racist abuse on Twitter last night.

He slammed the person responsible for the alleged racist abuse as he urged action to be taken over racist incidents in Scotland.

Bartley commented: "I tried and tried to convince myself that I had misheard this but after listening multiple times I’m unfortunately right.

"To hear someone shout this and abuse someone for their skin colour breaks my heart. We’re now at a point where either the authorities do something about it or they simply tell us they don’t care.

"I wish I could explain the pain and heartache this sort of stuff causes but it’s impossible to put into words.

"My heart genuinely goes out to Jair, all he was trying to do was his job and getting the ball to speed up play. 

"There is no chance that the people around him didn’t hear the scumbag who’s shouted this.

"I hope the ones who did report it to the club but if they don’t then the SFA and SPFL need to come down hard because this is as clear as it gets.

"We can’t allow these people to ruin our beautiful game or ruin the reputation of a country I’m glad to call home.

"Nights like tonight are hard to deal with and I was only listening, it’s was aimed at Jair.

"If I can leave you with one thing if you still fail to get it. Look in the mirror and imagine the person looking back at you isn’t accepted by some because of the colour of your skin! @ScottishFA @spfl over to you."

Now, Hibs have called for an investigation to be launched into the alleged racist incident.

A Hibs statement added: "Hibernian FC are aware of an incident in our cinch Premiership match with Dundee United, involving a racist comment directed towards one of our players.

"The incident took place in the latter stages of the second half as the player went to retrieve the ball that had gone out of play.

"Hibernian FC have made contact with Dundee United regarding this and would strongly support any investigation into this matter. We encourage anyone with information that could help identify the individual to come forward.

"Racist or discriminatory behaviour towards any player, official, staff member or supporter is completely unacceptable, and has no place in our game or wider society.

"At Hibernian FC, we believe whatever your race or background we are all together, and as a club with players, staff, and supporters from numerous different backgrounds, we stand in solidarity with those affected by such antisocial comments.

"There will be no further comment at this time."

Dundee United have been approached for comment.

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