Hibs call for investigation into alleged racist abuse of Jair Tavares

Hibs are calling for an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at Jair Tavares.

The forward appeared to be targeted by a supporter during their 1-0 defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice on Tuesday night.

Scottish FA Equality and Diversity Advisor Marvin Bartley highlighted a video on Twitter and called for the governing bodies to take action.

Tavares later took to social media, saying: “Almost 2023... smh shaking my head time goes on and nothing changes… this sh*t must end!!! Sad thing to hear but we stay strong.”

Hibernian released a statement on Wednesday morning calling for an investigation to be launched.

The statement read: “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 responded with confirmation they are investigation footage that "appeared to transmit either racist or other derogatory language".

Their statement read: "Dundee United FC are aware of a video clip that was widely shared on social media after last night's cinch Premiership match versus Hibernian FC.

"The footage appeared to transmit either racist or other derogatory language used within the stadium.

"We are currently investigating the incident and are working with all the relevant stakeholders to isolate the area of the stadium where the audio has been picked up and determine the content clearly.

"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.

"Dundee United has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and racists are simply not welcome inside Tannadice Park."

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