Police probe online racist abuse toward Hibs’ star Marvin Bartley

Police are investigating an allegation of racist abuse on twitter towards Hibs’ midfielder Marvin Bartley following Wednesday’s Edinburgh Derby which ended in a 3-1 victory for the Easter Road side.

Bartley was named man of the match in the first game at Tynecastle and also produced a sterling performance in the replay.

After the game a Twitter user @StevenLeeHMFC tweeted “a hope that big black jigaboo Marvin Bartley dies. F****** spearchhucker”.

This tweet has now been deleted.

Bartley however responded with  “Still alive and kicking pal, hope you’ve recovered from your stuffing last night #WeRunThisCity.”

He then produced another comeback which has gained considerable approval from his followers:  “I only took offence at first when I thought it read ‘big black Jambo’ but it never so I’ll get on with my day.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating a report of hate crime committed via social media during the Hibernian v Hearts football match at Easter Road on Wednesday 22nd February.

“Inquiries in to the investigation are ongoing.”