Hibernian vs Hearts: Fans praise defender Clevid Dikamona for his response to racist abuse from supporter
A fan was seen on live television shouting apparent racist abuse as the French-born Congo international was being told to leave the pitch by the referee
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Your support makes all the difference.Hearts defender Clevid Dikamona told an abusive Hibernian fan that he could not take away his derby victory joy after being subjected to abuse at Easter Road.
A fan was seen on live television shouting apparent racist abuse as the French-born Congo international was being told to leave the pitch by the referee following treatment for an injury during Hearts' 1-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win.
A 65-year-old supporter has now been arrested with Dikamona's response to the footage of the incident on Twitter seeing a flurry of support.
The 28-year-old wrote: "You can't know how happy and grateful I am tonight, despite what he could do or say he will not take away that feeling, I prefer to smile and tell you that I love you."
The post has seen a overwhelmingly positive response with hundreds of people offering their support from both sides of the Edinburgh divide.
One user said: "From a Hibs fan, enjoy the win and he’s not a reflection of our club." Another added: "As a Hibs supporter - apologise to you - people like him should never be allowed to attend another game and face the consequences."
Another posted: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour. He’s not a Hibs fan. We were founded on being a club for all. He’s not welcome," while another fan simply said: "A class above."
Police confirmed the arrest of an unidentified fan on Sunday.
"A 65-year-old man has now been arrested following the racial abuse of a Hearts player," said match commander Superintendent Jim Royan.
"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."
Campaign group Show Racism the Red Card Scotland condemned the Hibs supporter and called for action to be taken.
A statement on its Twitter account read: "After the racist abuse captured on tv today. We will be writing to HibernianFC demanding action is take against the perpetrator. Racism has no place in Scottish football."
Hibs midfielder Marvin Bartley expressed his sorrow after watching the footage.
Bartley, who was on the bench for his team after recovering from injury, wrote on Twitter: "Result aside, believe me I'm just as hurt by today as you are but seeing one of your own 'fans' say this is truly heartbreaking!"
The previous Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle saw Hibs head coach Neil Lennon struck by a coin and other missiles thrown at Hibs players and match officials, while a man was later charged in connection with an alleged assault on Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal.
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