Audio forensic expert rules comment made in Hibs match was "racial"
An expert has said a comment made by a supporter in a match between Hibernian and Dundee United in October was of a racial nature
Last updated 14th Dec 2022
Hibernian football club say a comment made by a supporter during a match against Dundee United in October was of a racial nature, according to an expert.
The club have continued to investigate the incident from Tuesday October 11th since the Premiership match took place.
In the late stages of the game, as Hibs player Jair Tavares attempted to retrieve the ball for a throw-in, a comment from a fan was picked up by pitch-side microphones.
Some listening claimed it was a comment regarding the Portuguese wingers race, others believed the abusive shout was instead a jibe about weight.
Both clubs later accepted the comment had come from the stand at Tannadice housing travelling Hibs supporters.
But it was the said "that the likelihood is the comment was derogatory rather than racial."
But now the Easter Road side say work by a independent audio forensic expert has determined the comment was "racial".
The club is asking for any fellow supporters with information about the incident to come forward.
In a statement on the club's website, the club stated:
"Hibernian FC has continued to investigate the incident that occurred on Tuesday 11 October 2022 in our cinch Premiership match at Dundee United.
"Alongside a number of different stakeholders, the Club has been working hard to ensure that a thorough investigation has taken place.
"To do so, the audio from that incident was sent to an Independent Audio Forensic Expert who subsequently confirmed that the comment made by the individual at the match was racial.
"Hibernian FC has a zero-tolerance position on all kinds of racist and discriminatory abuse and finds that behaviour completely abhorrent. It has no place at Hibs, in the game, or in wider society.
"Once again, Hibernian FC asks supporters to come forward if they witnessed this incident, so it can be dealt with appropriately. Please contact club@hibernianfc.co.uk.
"If the individual is identified, then the person will face the strongest action from the Club.
"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 country to ensure that all forms of discrimination are kicked out of the game."