October 31 – In an unprecedented ruling that has stunned Scottish football as well as his English parent club, Celtic’s Bulgarian international winger Aleksandar Tonev has been handed a seven-match ban for racial abuse.
Tonev, on loan from Aston Villa in the English Premier League, was punished for using “offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature” against Aberdeen defender Shay Logan during a top-flight game at Celtic Park on September 13.
A statement from the Scottish Football Association confirmed the complaint had been upheld after a disciplinary tribunal but Tonev insists he is innocent and Celtic denounced the verdict and said the player would be appealing.
“Racism has no place in football and as a club for all people, Celtic absolutely abhors racism of any kind,” the club said.
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“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.”
Tonev, formally of CSKA Sofia and Lech Poznan, joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal in August and was making his debut during the game in question.
A spokesman for Aston Villa added: “The position of the club is that racism or any other form of discrimination is abhorrent and has no place in football. The club is reviewing the report and decision of the Scottish Football Association and will make no further comment while an ongoing process remains in place.”
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) Scotland campaign manager Vicki Burns welcomed the verdict. “The length of the ban for Aleksandar Tonev shows how seriously the SFA are taking the issue of racism,” said Burns.
“While it’s always sad to see players banned, the decision is in line with bans in football over recent years for similar incidents and I think this sends out a clear message to players and fans.
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