HIBERNIAN have called for fans to be 'respectful' when commenting on club matters after Scott Allan was subjected to a barrage of online abuse this week.

The midfielder was the target for some supporters after the Easter Road outfit confirmed he had submitted a written transfer request on Tuesday evening.

Hibs are determined to hold on to their key man this summer and have already thrown out two bids - the second worth £225,000 - from Rangers.

Allan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is keen to clinch a move to Ibrox in the coming weeks.

And his desire to leave Leith has seen him subjected to vile online abuse on social network Twitter.

A Hibs statement said: "Hibernian FC today asked Hibernian supporters to ensure they are respectful when commenting on any Club matters on Twitter or any other form of social media.

"This follows unacceptable Tweets posted following the news that our player, Scott Allan, had handed in a transfer request.

"The Club have been in contact with Police Scotland regarding the recent Tweets and will support any subsequent police investigation."