Friday 31 October 2014 06:03, UK
Celtic's on-loan Aston Villa winger Aleksandar Tonev has been banned for seven games for racially abusing an opponent.
Tonev was accused of aiming a racist insult at Aberdeen's Shay Logan during a Premiership game at Celtic Park on September 13.
The Bulgaria international denied the charges, but a statement from the Scottish Football Association confirmed the complaint had been upheld after a disciplinary tribunal.
Celtic issued a statement in response to the verdict confirming Tonev will appeal and making it clear they continue to believe he is innocent.
It 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."
Tonev 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 said: "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."
