Hibernian have confirmed that an individual has been charged in connection with the racist abuse sent to Élie Youan on social media on Thursday. 

The French forward, who has been unavailable for the Easter Road side since picking up an injury during a Premier Sports Cup group game in mid-July, 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."

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A club spokesperson said on Friday that a '15-year-old boy had been identified and charged in connection' with the abuse - noting that Police Scotland officers probing the incident discovered that the offending message had not been sent by the owner of the account.

A statement read: "Hibernian FC can confirm that a 15-year-old boy has been identified and charged by Police Scotland in connection to the racist abuse Élie Youan received on social media.

"Police Scotland conducted a full investigation into the message sent to Youan, and discovered that the person responsible for the message was not the owner of the account.

"Alongside being charged by the police, the individual has also been banned from attending all football matches in relation to Hibernian FC. The club would like to thank supporters for their backing of Élie during this difficult time."

After Youan publicised the abuse yesterday, Hibs issued a statement vowing to take stern action, with a number of supporters posting images of the former Nantes youngster in a display of solidarity, along with some of his team-mates.