Dundee United have responded to a video circulating on social media appearing to show a fan shouting a racist slur at Hibs star Jair Tavares.
Hibs have called for an investigation after the video showing the alleged racist jibe during the club’s clash with Dundee United at Tannadice on Tuesday circulated on social media.
In the short video, a screen recording of the match live stream seen by The Courier, a fan appears to shout “black b******” at Tavares as he attempts to get the ball back into play.
A statement issued by United says the microphones which picked up the comment were at the opposite side of stadium to the home fans shown in the video.
Dundee United’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy
A club statement said: “Initial investigations can confirm only two microphones were active within the stadium for the broadcast, and both were situated on our TV gantry within the Jerry Kerr Stand and placed at 45-degree angles.
“The footage shown on the broadcast at the time the alleged incident occurred took place on the opposite side of the stadium from where the two microphones were placed.”
It added: “Dundee United has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and racists are simply not welcome inside Tannadice Park.”
The game saw United secure a 1-0 victory over Hibs, but fans of both teams have taken to social media to hit out at the remark saying it marred the game.
Tavares himself tweeted in response, calling it “sad to hear”.
Almost 2023 smh time goes and nothing change… this sh*t must end!!! Sad thing to hear but we stay strong ✊🏾 https://t.co/PanUyACiin
— Jair (@_jair11) October 12, 2022
He said: “Almost 2023 smh [shaking my head] time goes and nothing change… this s*** must end.
“Sad thing to hear but we stay strong.”
Call for investigation
A Hibernian FC spokesman said the club would “strongly support” an investigation.
He said: “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.”
Livingston FC assistant manager Marvin Bartley, who serves as an SFA equality and diversity adviser, says he listened to the clip multiple times after a dispute online over the exact content of the comment shouted at the Portuguese player.
The former midfielder wrote: “After listening multiple times I’m unfortunately right.
“To hear someone shout this and abuse someone for their skin colour breaks my heart.
“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.”
Several Dundee United fans said online the perpetrator should be banned from games if identified.
No formal complaints
Chief Inspector Ross Fitzgerald, Local Area Commander for Tayside, said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media regarding an alleged racial incident at Tannadice Park on Tuesday, 11 October, 2022.
“Although we haven’t received any formal complaints, we would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who has footage, to please contact us.
“Racism in any form will not be tolerated and all reports will be thoroughly investigated.”
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