SFA demand explanation from Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev
Friday 19 September 2014 21:13, UK
Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev has been accused of using "language of a racist nature" by the Scottish Football Association.
Aberdeen defender Shaleum Logan alleged the on-loan Aston Villa player used racial language towards him during a match between the teams last weekend.
The SFA confirmed Tonev received a notice of complaint following comments by Logan after Aberdeen’s 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park.
In a statement, the SFA revealed it was taking action against Tonev under “Disciplinary Rule 202: Excessive Misconduct by the use of offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature”.
A principal hearing date has been set for Thursday, 9 October, but Tonev has until Friday, 26 September to respond to the complaint.
Celtic reiterated Tonev's proclamation of innocence with a statement on the club's official website.
The statement read: "As we have said before, we have spoken to the player and he has stated the accusation is not true and he will, therefore, be defending the charge."
