A 65-year-old man has been arrested after Hearts defender Clévid Dikamona was subjected to alleged racial abuse at Easter Road. A Hibernian fan was seen on live television shouting abuse as the French-born Congo international was being told to leave the pitch by the referee following treatment for an injury.
Police Scotland’s event commander for the Edinburgh derby, Supt Jim Royan, said: “A 65-year-old man has now been arrested following the racial abuse of a Hearts player, and inquiries are currently ongoing into this. There is no place in Scotland for hate crime and I want to reassure the public that reports of such incidents will be treated seriously. Fans have united in their condemnation of this behaviour and I want to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation so far.”
Hibs earlier vowed to identify and take action against the individual and Dikamona responded to footage of the incident on Twitter. The 28-year-old wrote: “You can’t know how happy and grateful I am tonight, despite what he could do or say he will not take away that feeling, I prefer to smile and tell you that I love you.”
In the previous Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle, the Hibs coach Neil Lennon was struck by a coin and other missiles were thrown at Hibs players and officials, while a man was later charged in connection with an alleged assault on the Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal.
Olly Lee’s sublime first-half strike earned the narrow derby victory. The 28th-minute goal from the English midfielder was one of the few moments of quality in a tense and fiercely contested match between the Edinburgh rivals.
Steven Whittaker came closest to equalising for the home side when his 25-yard shot came off the post before running across the goalmouth. Hearts lost Peter Haring to injury after 54 minutes but defended resiliently to win for the first time in more than four years at Easter Road.
Stuart Findlay and Jordan Jones scored in the first 11 minutes as Kilmarnock, inspired by Greg Stewart, beat St Mirren 2-1. Killie move to within a point of the leaders, Celtic, and second-placed Rangers. Findlay outjumped the Saints defence to head in the first goal from Stewart’s corner. Stewart was the provider of the second too. The midfielder teased defenders on the touchline before crossing for Jones to apply the finish.
Alfie Jones pulled a goal back for the St Mirren after 22 minutes but the visitors could not find a way to level the scores.
James Wilson came off the bench to inspire Aberdeen to a 2-1 away win over Livingston. The on-loan Manchester United striker turned home a miscued Stephen Gleeson shot from close range for his third goal for the Dons, finally breaking down the Lions’ rearguard after 71 minutes following missed opportunities.
With Livi pushing for an equaliser, Wilson led a swift counterattack by producing a fine 60-yard solo run and delivery across the goalmouth. With a host of players attempting to reach the ball, Alan Lithgow prodded it into his own net.
Livingston ensured a nervous finale when Ryan Hardie scrambled the ball over the line from close range after an Andrew Considine clearance but the Dons held firm.
Two goals from centre-half Tom Aldred earned Motherwell a 2-1 victory over Hamilton at New Douglas Park. Well had to come back from a goal down after a Dougie Imrie strike with 17 minutes played. Aldred levelled the scores when he volleyed past Gary Woods four minutes later. Aldred then capitalised on poor goalkeeping from Woods with 13 minutes left to seal the comeback.
Scott Tanser scored in the first minute of play as St Johnstone produced their sixth consecutive away win this season, a club record, to beat Dundee 2-0. A cross from Tanser went in off the post after 35 seconds before Liam Craig produced the second goal when Matthew Kennedy crossed for Craig to force home from close range after 58 minutes. Dundee remain bottom, two points adrift of St Mirren.
