Six people were arrested at last night’s Edinburgh derby, including a 65-year-old man for the alleged racial abuse of a Hearts player.
20,200 spectators attended the match and near the end television footage caught a supporter apparently directing abuse at Hearts’ player Clevid Dikamona as he was being led off the pitch to receive treatment for an injury.
Hibs issued a statement immediately after the final whistle saying the man’s conduct was unacceptable.
Three individuals were arrested prior to the match for allegedly carrying pyrotechnics, whilst two others were arrested following the assault of two police officers.
The officers were not injured in the incident.
Event commander, superintendent Jim Royan, said: “Over 20,000 fans were in attendance at Easter Road and I want to thank the vast majority, who were extremely supportive of officers and there to just support their team and enjoy the derby with friends or family. “Despite this, and repeated warnings that antisocial and disruptive behaviour would not be tolerated, six arrests were made before and during the game.
“A 65-year-old man has now been arrested following the racial abuse of a Hearts player, and enquiries are currently ongoing into this.
“There is no place in Scotland for hate crime and I want to reassure the public that reports of such incidents will be treated seriously.
“Fans have united in their condemnation of this behaviour and I want to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation so far.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
