Inverness appeal over Tokely’s sending-off

The defender – the club’s longest serving player – was dismissed by referee Euan Norris for a challenge on Steven Naismith, before Nikica Jelavic went on to convert from the penalty spot, as Rangers ran out 2-0 winners at the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Highlanders have also confirmed that Owain Tudur Jones is facing surgery, and up to eight weeks on the sidelines, after being forced out of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash.

On Tokely’s red card, Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher is sure that the player did not commit at foul. “We have carefully studied the action replays and they confirm my view at the time, that it was a perfectly timed tackle,” he explained.

“We have now lodged an appeal and we hope that justice will be done and ‘Tokes’ will be eligible to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday.

“The video evidence is there for all to see.”

Meanwhile, new signing Tudur Jones will have a cartilage operation today, meaning a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the midfielder.

Butcher added on the club’s official website: “Owain sustained a blocked knee against Rangers and it has been diagnosed as requiring a cartilage operation.

“It’s a massive blow to the lad and to the club as we’re looking at a six to eight week lay-off. But Owain is determined and he’ll start his rehab right away.”

The Welshman joins Lee Cox, Billy McKay, Josh Meekings, Kenny Gillet and David Proctor on the casualty list. Inverness have already endured a difficult start to the SPL season, taking just a point from their opening four games.

Butcher added: “That means we have six players out, which is a dreadful start to the season in injury terms. None of the five who missed the Rangers game will be back within a fortnight so the squad is fairly stretched.

“Add on Ross Tokely’s suspension and we’re looking at seven being out for Pittodrie, which is a challenge.”