Nadir Ciftci free to play in Scottish Cup
Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci has been cleared to play in his side’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Celtic after winning his appeal against a two-match ban.
Ciftci was offered the punishment following a clash with Inverness defender Gary Warren but United’s decision to challenge the ban paid off when the violent conduct charge was not proven in front of a Scottish Football Association judicial panel.
The forward was accused of deliberately striking Warren’s neck or head with his arm towards the end of his side’s 1-1 draw with Caley Thistle last week. Ciftci was booked and Warren was sent off following the off-the-ball clash. The 23-year-old will now be able to face Celtic in the last eight at Tannadice on Sunday and in the Scottish Premiership two weeks later.
But he will miss the League Cup final against the Parkhead side on 15 March after being booked twice in the competition.