Hearts ban two fans ‘indefinitely’
HEARTS owner Ann Budge last night confirmed the club have issued ‘indefinite bans’ to two fans after Motherwell player Christian Mbulu was allegedly racially abused during Saturday’s Premiership clash at Tynecastle. Police Scotland made two arrests after the game, with Motherwell substitute Mbulu allegedly subjected to vile taunts from a section of the home crowd. Footage, which has been passed to the police as part of a criminal investigation, appears to show a group of supporters in the main stand shouting and gesturing
towards the 22-year-old Englishman as he warmed up. Budge told the BBC yesterday: ‘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 manager Stephen Robinson branded the behaviour of the fans in question an ‘absolute disgrace’.
Speaking after a Peter Haring header had given Hearts a 1-0 win, Robinson said: ‘I’ve just seen the video of it. I thought this was 2018 but that was the dark ages.
‘It’s dinosaur stuff. For a player to have to take that kind of stuff is disgusting.
‘They should not be anywhere near football. There is no place for that in any walk of life. No walk of life should accept that in modern society.’
The incident is the latest during a troubling and unsavoury period for British football.
Celtic winger Scott Sinclair last week said he was the victim of racist abuse during the Betfred Cup final against Aberdeen — branding the individual in question an ‘absolute disgrace’.
Manchester City star Raheem Sterling was also allegedly abused by a Chelsea fan at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
It casts a fresh shadow over Hearts. Last month, a group of their fans were heard singing in support of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.
The club are working in full co-operation with the authorities to assist the investigation.
It is understood that the incident will be discussed today at an SFA meeting, with Hearts already set to be present at Hampden.
They will appear along with Hibernian to defend themselves against charges of misconduct relating to the ugly scenes which marred the Edinburgh derby in October.
Hibs boss Neil Lennon was struck by a coin thrown from the main stand at Tynecastle.
Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal also appeared to be assaulted by a Hibs fan who seemed to throw a punch at the Czech stopper.
But it was the melee sparked by the red card shown to Hibs striker Florian Kamberi that led to notices of complaint being served to both of the capital clubs.
The case was originally due to be heard last month but was rescheduled for today and it is understood manager Craig Levein is set to appear at the hearing on behalf of Hearts.
Evidence is also expected from derby referee Andrew Dallas, the same official who angered Hearts last Wednesday with his decision to award St Johnstone a highly controversial second-half penalty in the 2-2 draw at McDiarmid Park.