Hearts and Bristol City investigate allegations of racist abuse by fans

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was alleged to have been targeted after scoring a 39th-minute equaliser in front of Hearts support during their 1-1 draw at Tynecastle on Sunday.

The Ladbrokes Premiership outfit said after the match they would hand out indefinite bans to anyone found guilty.

A short statement read: “The club is aware of the incident in question and is currently investigating it.

‪”It goes without saying that Heart of Midlothian Football Club utterly condemns any form of racism and any individuals found guilty of such an offence will face an indefinite ban from Tynecastle Park.”

Bristol City also vowed to take action after claims racist language was used by their fans during their 3-0 Championship defeat at Luton on Saturday.

City owner Steve Lansdown said he was “shocked and disappointed” by the allegations.

He added: “I can assure our genuine supporters and Luton Town, who have been very helpful, that we are fully investigating these reports. We will deal harshly with anyone found behaving in a racist manner and they will be banned from Ashton Gate and from purchasing tickets at future away matches.

“Racial intolerance is not something that we want being associated with our club in any shape or form. I firmly believe that in no way is it representative of our true supporters or the essence of Bristol City as a family club which celebrates diversity and inclusivity.”

Sunday’s Serie A match between Roma and Sampdoria in Genoa was marred by racist chanting from away fans towards Samp’s former Leeds midfielder Ronaldo Vieira.

Roma said in a statement on Twitter: “AS Roma would like to apologise to Ronaldo Vieira for the racist boos he was subjected to.

“Roma does not tolerate racism of any kind and the club will support the authorities in identifying and subsequently banning any individuals found guilty of racially abusing the midfielder.”