Malky Mackay responds directly to Hibs ultras fury as raging punters told 'judge me on the person you see'

Malky Mackay has responded to the anger over his Hibs appointment by insisting: 'judge me for the person you meet and see'.

The former Ross County boss was appointed as the new sporting director in the capital with his official start date next month. The big announcement came as part of a busy day in Leith with Nick Montgomery earlier axed from his role as manager. Following the news of the appointment of Mackay, supporters group Block Seven posted an online statement to make their feelings clear on the former Cardiff City boss, who was accused of was accused of misconduct and sending several text messages of racist, sexist and homophobic content during his time at the Welsh club. He later issued an official apology.

Speaking to Hibs TV, he said: "I completely understand everyone has points of view. What I would say is that to really judge me on the person I am and you see going forward for Hibernian Football Club. I've been in football for 30 years but in Scotland for seven years, four years at the Scottish FA and nearly three at Ross County. I've got such a passion for our game and for the club I work for and the national association I was with, that I would like people to judge me for the person they meet, they see, that I am for their football club.

"I'm proud and privileged now to be working for Hibernian Football Club and that being the case I'm determined to do everything I can to make sure we have success. They'll see someone that is driven and wanting to do the best for their club."

In a stinging online address last night, Block Seven posted: "Today the club announced the appointment of Malky Mackay as sporting director. This is quite simply a disgrace of an appointment. With a track record of being racist, homophobic and misogynistic, he has no place at our club. Just two days ago against Aberdeen, the group displayed anti racism banners to show that it has no place in not only football, but the world we live in. To appoint this man just days later is nothing but an insult to the group for even making that statement in the first place.

"Furthermore, just 10 days ago the club released a statement saying: 'the club condemns any form of racist or discriminatory behaviour towards any player, official, staff member or supporter. It is completely unacceptable, and has no place in the game or wider society. The club will take the strongest possible action against anyone identified in making discriminatory and hateful comments'.

"This man is not welcome at Hibernian football club and we will be making that clear."