MARVIN BARTLEY has thanked football fans for their overwhelming support after the Hibernian midfielder was subjected to despicable racial abuse against Hearts.
Footage of the 32-year-old being targeted with an appalling volley of vitriol as he warmed up at Tynecastle emerged on social media in the aftermath of the Edinburgh derby on April 6.
An individual could clearly be heard calling Bartley a ‘n*****’ amid a flurry of other sickening jibes.
The alleged perpetrator was swiftly arrested and has since been charged by Police Scotland.
Bartley made a stand following the incident as he called on supporters to fight the scourge of racism, tweeting: “One thing I refuse to accept is racial abuse. So maybe it is time to take action against these small-minded, ignorant people. Let’s not let it creep back into OUR game!”
And he returned to the platform yesterday to hail the response he has received in the days since.
Bartley wrote: “Just logged on to an unreal amount of messages of support from fans of various clubs and people of all creeds and colours nationwide.
Thank you all for taking time out of your day to show support! #NoToRacism”
