Elie Youan hasn’t been shy of controversy during his time at Hibs.
The Frenchman has proved himself to be a very effective player for the Hibees when at the top of his game, scoring nine goals in his first season and then ten last campaign, adding ten assists.
But Youan has also had spats with Hibees fans – having to be dragged away from an angry confrontation by teammate Jordan Obita after a defeat to St Mirren.
Supporters branded that moment ’embarrassing and a shambles’ as they reacted to the Easter Road incident.
It wasn’t the last time that second word was used in relation to the 25-year-old.
Former Hibs favourite Marvin Bartley fumed at Youan after spotting him casually doing keepie-uppies during a break in play as Obita was sent off against Dundee.
Others, including John McGinn, piled in but manager David Gray offered a defence of his player.
Youan had been in and out of the Hibees side but is back to play regularly and performing somewhere near his best.
As he did so, he hit back at Bartley more than once.
Bartley on Youan clash
Bartley stands by what he said about Youan and insists none of it was personal despite being perceived that way.
And he feels having the likes of McGinn saying the same thing vindicated him.
Discussing his “short communication” with the player, the former Queen of the South boss admits he won’t be on his Christmas card list.
Speaking on Open Goal, he said: “It’s one of those things. People then started saying or thinking it was personal.
“It wasn’t personal, it could have been anyone. It could have been Andy (Halliday). You know, I see Andy all the time, but if he was doing that, I’d be like, that’s not right. The team’s struggling at that point. Bizarre is exactly the right word. And yeah, it shouldn’t happen.
“You talk about social media. You’ve got Jimmy from the local chippy saying, ‘oh, there’s nothing wrong with it.’ But then you’ve got John McGinn, for example, Premier League captain saying, ‘no, that can’t happen.’ I woke up, my phone was buzzing. I just woke up, what the hell’s going on here? And he had tagged me.
“He tagged me after the Hearts game as well. Very short communication (between him and Youan). I just said to him, it wasn’t anything personal, etc.
“Then he ended up tagging me about five weeks later when he had his shirt on a pole after the Hearts game. So I don’t think I’m on his Christmas list. I don’t mind. I don’t mind it at all. Just go and do what you need to do on the pitch.”
Back-and-forth between Youan and Bartley
Youan clearly didn’t take kindly to Bartley’s words and wasn’t shy in hitting back.
After winning man of the match in a later game with Aberdeen, the thrilling 3-3 draw, the Frenchman tagged the former player on Instagram and said “It’s not acceptable @bartley06, MOTM.”
Screenshotting Youan’s Instagram story, Bartley responded: “Good morning Elie. Well done on your MoTM. I’m guessing you’ve tagged me as we both now have iconic pictures after winning ‘honours’ at Hibs? Your caption is perfect!! Here’s a few of the current unacceptable things for you my friend! We’ve (got) 9 points from a possible 42. We’re currently 9 points off the top 6. We’ve won one game out of 14 in the league.
“Not only do we sit bottom of the league we have also won less games than San Marino this season! To have the audacity to post this when we’re literally last and not even won the game is quite something. Hopefully we kick on and move to a more respectable position asap. All the best and well done again buddy.”
Youan later tagged Bartley in another post following the derby win over Hearts.