Heart of Midlothian football club, more commonly known as Hearts, has opened an investigation after claims that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was racially abused in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership draw at Tynecastle.
The Colombian player was allegedly targeted as he celebrated his equaliser in front of the Hearts supporters.
Hearts have vowed to ban any fan found guilty of racism from Tynecastle after revealing they are investigating an allegation made in their 1-1 draw against Rangers.
A short statement read: “The club is aware of the incident in question and is currently investigating it.
”It goes without saying that Heart of Midlothian Football Club utterly condemns any form of racism and any individuals found guilty of such an offence will face an indefinite ban from Tynecastle Park.”
This comes as Bristol City announced that it is also investigating allegations that racist language used in the away end during their Championship match at Luton on Saturday.
The Robins, who slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road, said action would be taken “against anyone behaving in a racist manner at a Bristol City match”.
City said in a statement that it condemns any form of abuse or racist language.
“Bristol City Football Club has been made aware of allegations of racist language used in the away end at Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road,” the statement read.
“Bristol City are a family club which celebrates its diversity and inclusivity. Action will be taken against anyone behaving in a racist manner at a Bristol City match, who has purchased their ticket or season card through the club as well as reporting them to the relevant authorities.
The club has encouraged anyone wanting to report inappropriate behaviour to do so through slo@bcfc.co.uk.
This week has seen multiple incidents of racism in football.
England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria last Monday was halted twice after being blighted by racist crowd abuse aimed at the Three Lions players which included Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.
And Haringey Borough FC players were left “disgusted” and “distraught” by racist abuse directed towards team members during a FA Cup clash with Yeovil.