Life bans for two on racism rap

Hearts have given lifetime bans to two fans arrested after Motherwell defender Christian Mbulu was allegedly racially abused at Tynecastle on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was an unused sub during his side’s 1-0 Premiership defeat, but did warm up at the side of the pitch and video footage passed onto Police Scotland appeared to show around 20 fans shouting at the player.

Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson spoke about the alleged racist abuse following the game.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, he said: “For a player to have to take that kind of stuff is disgusting.

“They should not be anywhere near football.

“I thought this was 2018 but that was the dark ages and dinosaur stuff.

“There is no place for that in any walk of life. No walk of life should accept that in modern society.”

Two supporters were arrested at Saturday’s match and they have now been banned by the club.

Hearts owner Ann Budge confirmed the move on Sunday.

She said: “This behaviour will not be tolerated.

“The individuals involved have already been identified and have received immediate and indefinite bans.

“I’m so very disappointed that instead of being able to enjoy a good victory and staying at the top end of the table I’m having to comment on the entirely unacceptable behaviour of a minority of supporters.”

Motherwell went on to lose Saturday’s match 1-0 after Peter Haring’s deflected header sealed the points.

For the full match reaction see pages 58 and 59.