SFA probe Irvine Welsh 'machete' Morelos comment on Hibs TV

Hibernian could face disciplinary action from the Scottish FA following controversial comments by the author Irvine Welsh during a Hibs TV broadcast.

Welsh was a guest pundit during live coverage of the Premiership match between Hibs and Rangers on Wednesday evening. Rangers won 1-0 with Alfredo Morelos scoring the only goal of the game.

While reviewing another incident where the Colombian striker clashed with Hibs defender Ryan Porteous, the Trainspotting author referred to the player 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 is requesting footage from the Edinburgh club and will then review the incident before deciding if disciplinary action will be taken. The club could be charged with breaking rules which cover discriminatory or offensive comments in interviews, social media or broadcasts.

STV understands that Hibs will cooperate fully with any investigation and have already made a private apology to Rangers at executive level.

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, 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.”