Aleksandar Tonev ban hearing set for next week

ALEKSANDAR Tonev’s appeal against his seven-game ban for racially abusing an opponent will be heard next week, the SFA has confirmed.
Aleksandar Tonev in action for Celtic against Hearts in September. Picture: John DevlinAleksandar Tonev in action for Celtic against Hearts in September. Picture: John Devlin
Aleksandar Tonev in action for Celtic against Hearts in September. Picture: John Devlin

The Celtic winger, on loan from Aston Villa, was accused of racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan during a Scottish Premiership match in September.

The Bulgarian international was found guilty of abusing the former Manchester City youngster, calling him a ‘black ****’, despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing at the SFA hearing in October.

An appellate tribunal has been scheduled for December 4.

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Tonev won the support of his team-mates and manager, with both Ronny Deila and Celtic skipper Scott Brown backing the 24-year-old, with the latter saying: “We’ll all stick by him. We know he didn’t say it. That’s the main thing”.

But Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes hit out at the defence of Tonev, claiming that no one but Tonev and Logan knew what was said.