CELTIC MIDFIELDER ALEKSANDAR TONEV has been given a seven-match ban by the Scottish Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing Aberdeen’s Shay Logan.
The Bulgarian, who is on-loan from Aston Villa, was charged with ‘the use of offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature’ following the incident during Celtic’s 2-1 win at Pittodrie on 13th September.
Tonev was ordered to appear before a SFA judicial panel at Hampden Park today, which ruled he had breached disciplinary rule 202.
Shortly after the SFA disciplinary tribunal announced the suspension, Celtic released a statement confirming the decision would be appealed.
“Racism has no place in football and as a Club for all people, Celtic absolutely abhors racism of any kind,” a Celtic spokesperson said.
“This was a very unfortunate case, but the Club has accepted Aleksandar’s explanation that he did not say the words that were alleged to have been said and that he is not a racist.
“We are, therefore, very disappointed by the outcome today and can confirm that Aleksandar will be appealing this decision.”
The original hearing date was postponed earlier this month as the player was on international duty.
He has made 10 appearances for Celtic since moving to Parkhead during the summer transfer window. His loan deal is set to expire in January.
