Hibernian have condemned abuse of former striker Florian Kamberi as “unacceptable” as the Easter Road side pledged to take action against any supporter found to be directing vile comments at players on social media.
The Aberdeen frontman was reportedly subjected to a sickening threat on Instagram, with a nasty message to his personal page reading: "I can't wait for the day you die.”
It comes amid a spike in online abuse and threats aimed at footballers and referees over recent weeks, with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and official Mike Dean both reporting disturbing comments from anonymous users of the platform.
Kamberi became the target of ire from some sections of the Hibs crowd following comments made after a loan move to Rangers last year.
He departed the Leith outfit on a permanent basis in the summer to join Swiss side St Gallen, but joined Aberdeen on loan on transfer deadline day.
The Easter Road side have decried the message in the strongest possible terms after probing whether the account in question belonged to a season ticket holder at the club.
And they warned any fans caught sending abuse to players would be subject to swift and decisive measures.
A Hibs spokesman said: “We condemn any and all abusive posts directed at footballers or others in the public eye. It is completely unacceptable.
"This individual is not on our database but we will look to see what action is open to us"
The offensive remark has since been removed from the website by Instagram moderators.
Dons assistant boss Tony Docherty echoed that sentiment at his pre-match press conference ahead of Aberdeen's home clash with Kilmarnock this weekend.
"I need to stress that it's totally unacceptable at every level," he said.
"Knowing Flo and the kind of character he is, I don't think it will affect him. I don't know the exact ins and outs of it but he's got a strong personality and we'll get round him because he's our player.
"Since he's come in the building we've been really impressed with him, not just with his footballing ability, but with his personality and enthusiasm.
"We'll make sure we get round him. It's just totally unacceptable."
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