Scottish Premiership: Celtic appeal Aleksandar Tonev’s ban
Wednesday 5 November 2014 17:53, UK
Celtic have appealed against Aleksandar Tonev’s seven-match ban by the Scottish Football Association.
The on-loan Aston Villa winger was hit with the suspension last week after Aberdeen defender Shay Logan claimed Tonev racially abused him.
Tonev has denied the incident took place during a Scottish Premiership match between the teams on 13 September.
Celtic issued a statement in response to the SFA verdict last week confirming Tonev would appeal.
The Celtic statement read: "Racism has no place in football and as a club for all people, Celtic absolutely abhors racism of any kind.
"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."
And Celtic skipper Scott Brown midfielder offered his thoughts on the issue as the team prepare for their Europa League clash against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.
Brown said: "We all stick by him. We know he didn't say it, so I think that's the main thing and all the lads in the dressing room believe him.
"I don't think he needs to explain himself. We all believe him, he says he didn't do it and we stand by him.
"We know Aleksandar doesn't come in and lie. He talks to everyone in that changing room so we have no problem."
