Man, 48, charged over alleged xenophobic comments at Tynecastle
Tuesday 1 March 2016 10:17, UK
A man has been arrested following alleged xenophobic comments at Hearts' home game with Kilmarnock last weekend.
The 48-year-old has been charged with offensive behaviour at football and an offence under the Threatening Communications Act.
He will appear in court at a later date and has been given special bail conditions not to enter within half a mile of Tynecastle Stadium, or any other ground where Hearts are playing, for two hours before the match until two hours after it has finished.
Constable Gavin Stupart from Wester Hailes Police Station in Edinburgh said: "Since Kilmarnock FC reported this matter we have been carrying out extensive inquiries alongside Hearts and I would like to thank them for their assistance and support now that we have made an arrest.
"Offensive behaviour at football matches will not be tolerated and whenever we identify those responsible we will ensure they are brought before the court.
"We will also seek special bail conditions and banning orders to prevent offenders from attending further football matches."
The arrest comes after Police Scotland revealed they were conducting an investigation into alleged racial abuse of Kilmarnock striker Josh Magennis during the home side's 1-0 victory last Saturday.
The Northern Ireland international made an official complaint to police, alleging he was racially abused from a section of the ground where Hearts fans were gathered.
In a statement over the weekend, Hearts said: "The Kilmarnock player alleges that an abusive comment was made relating to his nationality by an individual seated within the home end at Tynecastle.
"The alleged abusive remark related to the player being Irish. The player is from Northern Ireland. To clarify, this allegation does not involve the player's colour, religion or sexuality."
