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Hearts ban two supporters after Motherwell player allegedly racially abused

Hearts ban two supporters after Motherwell player allegedly racially abused
© Reuters
Defender Christian Mbulu was warming up at the time of the incident.

Hearts have banned two supporters after Motherwell player Christian Mbulu was allegedly racially abused during Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle.

Defender Mbulu, who was an unused substitute, was allegedly targeted while warming up on the touchline.

Police Scotland announced on Saturday two people had been arrested after game, which Hearts won 1-0.

Hearts, who have said they are "cooperating fully" with police, announced on Sunday they were taking action.

Owner Ann Budge told BBC Scotland: ""This behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The individuals involved have already been identified and have received immediate and indefinite bans.

"I'm so very disappointed that instead of being able to enjoy a good victory and staying at the top end of the table I'm having to comment on the entirely unacceptable behaviour of a minority of supporters."

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that two subjects were arrested at the Hearts v Motherwell match."

Hearts won the match courtesy of a Peter Haring header in the 14th minute. It was their first victory in eight games and they were made to work hard for it by a determined Motherwell side.

Monterwell boss Stephen Robinson said: "I take heart from the application and desire and quality from the players at a difficult place to come."

Hearts were expertly marshalled by captain Christophe Berra, who only returned a week earlier following four months out with a hamstring injury, and manager Craig Levein was impressed with the Scotland international's performance.

Levein , whose side remain three points adrift of Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Celtic, said: "Christophe is a bit tired, as you can imagine after being out that period of time then playing three games a week.

"We didn't plan on that happening but Jimmy Dunne got injured and that scuppered any plans I had to rest him.

"I would've had to if he'd insisted that he had a problem but he's a warrior. He epitomised everything that everyone thinks he is on Saturday.

"He rolled his sleeves up defended manfully and I was really pleased for him."

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Hearts manager Craig Levein pictured in 2017
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts000046341262
4Kilmarnock00004334951
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
Relegation Group
1Hibernian00004451-739
2Motherwell00004651-537
3Aberdeen00003549-1435
4St Johnstone00002446-2231
5Ross County00003256-2430
6Livingston00002259-3718
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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