Football Player "Racially Abused" By Fans

28 February 2016, 06:11 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Kilmarnock footballer has made a complaint to police about alleged abuse from the stands during a match against Hearts.

Josh Magennis is understood to have made an allegation following his side's 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle on Saturday afternoon.

Police Scotland confirmed a report of alleged "racial abuse'' was received.

Magennis, 25, is in his second season with the Ayrshire club and the striker is also a Northern Ireland international.

Hearts said in a statement on Saturday evening: "The club can confirm that following this afternoon's game, a complaint was made to Police Scotland by a Kilmarnock player.

"The Kilmarnock player alleges that an abusive comment was made relating to his nationality by an individual seated within the home end at Tynecastle.

"The alleged abusive remark related to the player being Irish. The player is from Northern Ireland. To clarify, this allegation does not involve the player's colour, religion or sexuality.

"Senior figures from both clubs were present when the player made the complaint and discussed the matter fully thereafter.

"Heart of Midlothian FC has a number of players of different nationality playing in the current squad and is very proud of the international make-up of our team.

"We will fully support any police investigation into reports of abuse such as the one which has been reported today.''

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ''We can confirm we have received a report of racial abuse from today's match at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.

''Inquiries are ongoing.''