Hibs warned by Scottish FA over Irvine Welsh ‘machete’ comment

Hibs will face no formal action over controversial comments made by author Irvine Welsh on the club’s TV channel – but have been warned about future conduct.

Welsh sparked outrage from Rangers supporters after he appeared on Hibs TV as a guest pundit for live coverage of a Premiership match between the clubs in January.

While reviewing an incident were Alfredo Morelos clashed with Hibs defender Ryan Porteous, the Trainspotting author referred to the Colombian striker as “a sticky bun”, rhyming slang for ‘h**’ – a derogatory term for Rangers fans.

He then said that Morelos should be “macheted into small pieces”.

The Scottish FA launched an investigated into the broadcast but, after reviewing the broadcast and taking into account that Hibernian had made an immediate apology, removed all footage and given an assurance about future guests, the governing body decided not to bring any formal disciplinary charges.

A letter was sent to the Easter Road club warning them about future broadcasts.

Welsh’s comments came during a discussion with broadcast host David Tanner and Hibernian Women player Joelle Murray.

After being shown a replay of a challenge where Morelos challenged Porteous, he said: “Morelos should have been off. That was outrageous.

“It was terrible sort of stamping there by the sticky bun.

“He should have been shown the red for that, no question about that at all, had it been Porteous he would have been off.”

After being asked by Tanner if the referee should have taken action, he said: “Yeah, I mean, where is he? Morelos kind of should basically be macheted into small pieces and sent in various packets to different corners of the globe for a challenge like that.

“And kind of consumed by seagulls.”

Rangers supporters liason officer Greg Marshall responded to questions from fans on social media at the time, tweeting: “We are disappointed at the comments made in relation to Alfredo and our club.

“Hibs have apologised to the club today. Nevertheless, we are sure these comments will be investigated by the football authorities.”

Welsh later said on Twitter that his comments were not intended to be taken seriously.