Man charged over racist abuse of English Ross County star during win over Hibs

A man has been arrested and charged over alleged racial abuse directed at an English footballer during the weekend's Scottish Premiership clash between Ross County and Hibernian.

The 27-year-old was detained by Police Scotland officers over claims midfielder Yan Dhanda, who has Indian grandparents, was targeted during the Highland side's victory at Victoria Park, in Dingwall.

It's understood the alleged incident took place in the first half of the match, which the home side won 2-1. Dhanda, who was born in Tipton, West Midlands, told referee Don Robertson about the alleged racist abuse.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who is set to join Hearts in the summer, joined County in 2022 from Swansea City, having spent his youth career with English sides West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool.

On X, formerly Twitter, Ross County published statement hitting out over the incident. It said there was "no place" for racist abuse "in our game or society as a whole".

A statement published on Hibs' official website read: "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."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a report of a player being racially abused during the Ross Country v Hibs match at Victoria Park in Dingwall on Saturday, 4 May, 2024.

"He will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal." The win saw Ross County moving out of the relegation play off place with three games left to play.

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