CLUB STATEMENT | INVESTIGATION FINDS ABUSE CAME FROM AWAY SUPPORT

Dundee United FC can confirm it has finished an initial investigation into the incident that occurred shortly before the end of Tuesday night's cinch Premiership fixture victory over Hibernian FC. 

The investigation, completed in conjunction with our counterparts at Hibs and the host broadcasters, included intensive discussions with other stakeholders, focused mainly on the context of the incident.

During the course of the investigation, we utilised every available video angle and accompanying audio in an attempt to conclusively prove both where the shout emitted from, and also what phrase was shouted.

Following feedback from the host broadcaster and analysis of the audio mics available, both clubs unequivocally accept that the shout came from the stand housing the away fans. 

While there is no conclusive proof to confirm the words used by the offender, all parties are in agreement, based on the evidence available, that the likelihood is the comment was derogatory rather than racial. 

In no way does this make the abuse acceptable, but it is clear that the initial media clip and reaction by parties after that offered an unreliable and skewed representation of the incident. 

As a club, we are pleased that the unfair representation of our supporters has been rectified. We hope that our calm and concise investigation will end a disappointing experience for our supporters who should have been celebrating victory on the park.

Dundee United FC offers our continued assistance to Hibernian FC should they wish to attempt to identify the individual responsible for the comment. 

Finally, and importantly, we would like to reiterate our policy as a club regarding racism amongst all forms of derogatory abuse - it is not welcome at Tannadice Park. We do not welcome racists to Tannadice Park.

As a club, we are proud to have a broad representation of diverse backgrounds and cultures across our club and support.