Hibernian have vowed to take action after forward Élie Youan was subjected to racist abuse on social media on Thursday.

The 25-year-old, who has been unavailable for the Easter Road side since mid-July after picking up an injury during a Premier Sports Cup group game with Queen's Park, posted an image of the message - a string of emojis that are often used in racially abusive comments - that had been sent to him on Instagram, adding: "Not surprised real faces are coming out. At least it's clear right now."

A statement issued by the club shortly after Youan's post read: "Everyone at Hibernian FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Élie Youan has received on social media. The club has launched an investigation into the message on Instagram and will take the strongest possible action against the individual in question.

"The club condemns this abhorrent action in the strongest possible way. Racism and any kind of discrimination have no place at Hibernian FC, in football, or society as a whole. Élie has the full support of everyone at Hibernian FC. There is no room for racism."

The former St. Gallen forward has consistently called out the abuse he receives on social media. Earlier this month he posted a screenshot of a message that, among other things, branded him a 'hopeless lazy c***' and 'u don't deserve to play for this club cause u are a big part to blame in the downfall of this team u s*** f*****'[sic]. Sharing the message to his social media account Youan wrote: "Even when I'm not playing I get insulted" accompanied by two laughing emojis. 

Youan is not the only Hibs player to have been subjected to racist abuse on social media. In November last year, Allan Delferrière received an abusive message after scoring an own goal in a 2-2 draw with Ross County, with Hibs posting a similar statement condemning the abuse. 

The Belgian midfielder said: "We’re in 2023 and the racism is still going. To be fair, I don’t care about the criticism, but the racism needs to stop."