Ross County midfielder Yan Dhanda was subjected to alleged racial abuse from a Hibernian supporter on Saturday.
The incident happened in the 30th minute of County’s 2-1 win at Victoria Park in the Premiership, with Dhanda seen to be in conversation with referee Don Robertson who then alerted fourth official Greg Soutar.
In a statement, the Staggies confirmed both clubs worked with Police Scotland to identify the male suspect, with a 27-year-old man now arrested and charged with racial abuse.
Ross County FC can confirm a 27 year-old male has been arrested and charged for racial abuse towards Yan Dhanda. He will be subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.
The club and Yan Dhanda would like to thank everyone for their positive messages and support. pic.twitter.com/hqF4IYanHj
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) May 6, 2024
An earlier County statement had stated: “In the 30th minute of today’s match, Yan Dhanda was subject to alleged racial abuse from a Hibernian fan. Ross County FC and Hibernian have worked with Police Scotland to identify the male suspect, who has now been detained.
“There is no place for this in our game or society as a whole.”
When asked about the incident immediately after the game, Staggies boss Don Cowie was not aware of the nature of the comment, but confirmed Dhanda alerted the match officials to an alleged remark from the away section.
Cowie said: “All I know at this moment in time, from speaking with Greg the fourth official, is that there was an alleged comment made that Yan heard.
“That was reported to the referee, and then back to the fourth official. Beyond that, I’m not sure, I’m waiting to hear what happened.
“I don’t know the nature of the comment. The fact that he has highlighted it to the referee shows there’s something he wasn’t happy with, but I’m waiting to find out exactly the full details.
“I believe it was a comment made from the away support.”
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