Racism ban for Celtic’s Tonev
SCOTTISH champions Celtic have leapt to the defence of Aleksandar Tonev and vowed to appeal his seven-game ban after the on-loan Aston Villa winger was found guilty of racially abusing an opponent at a disciplinary hearing yesterday.
The 24-year-old Bulgaria international was charged following an incident with Englishman Shay Logan during Celtic’s victory over Aberdeen at Parkhead on 13 September.
Celtic have backed the version of events stated by Tonev, who has featured eight times since joining the Bhoys in August, and have announced their intention to fight the punishment dished out to him.
A club spokesperson said: “The club has accepted Aleksandar’s explanation that he did not say the words that were alleged and that he is not a racist.”