Police investigate racist abuse of Hibernian's Marvin Bartley

Police Scotland are investigating after Hibernian midfielder Marvin Bartley was allegedly subjected to racist abuse on Twitter.

The 32-year-old was warming up on the touchline at Tynecastle during Saturday's Edinburgh derby against Hearts when the video was recorded and published with an offensive caption.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police in Edinburgh are investigating following a report of a hate crime at Tynecastle Stadium.

"The incident happened on Saturday, April 6, and was reported to police on Monday, April 8. Inquiries are currently ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101."

Bartley had seen the video without sound but only became aware of the offensive nature of it on Monday.

He took to Twitter to say: "I take everything that is thrown at me, as untrue as it is when playing there, and simply get on with it, but the one thing I refuse to accept is racial abuse.

"So maybe it is time to take action against these small-minded, ignorant people. Let's not let it creep back into our game!"

Hearts have promised action against those involved in publishing the video, saying: "The club abhors racism of any kind and will take appropriate action against any individual found guilty of racist behaviour within Tynecastle."

Hibernian also condemned the abuse, saying: "We would echo the statement from Hearts and it goes without saying that Marvin has our full support.

"There is no place in football for racism and it is an issue that stretches beyond a single club or support base.

"We all have a duty to rid our game of these individuals and, in particular, ensure young supporters don't grow up thinking that kind of behaviour is in any way acceptable."

Ant-racism organisation Show Racism the Red Card Scotland said: "Racism is something that we challenge using education and we urge the clubs, the footballing authorities and the Scottish Government to work more with Show Racism the Red Card.

"We believe that with the absence of a clear reporting mechanism in place, clubs at all levels will continue to be susceptible to events which continue to blight our game.

"Despicable incidents like this targeted, racist attack on Marvin Bartley are completely unacceptable and we will support the clubs to ensure such occurrences can be eradicated."