Aberdeen have reported Celtic star Aleksander Tonev for allegedly racially abusing Shay Logan.
The Pittodrie club reported the Bulgarian internationalist to referee Bobby Madden at the end of their 2-1 defeat at Parkhead yesterday.
It’s understood Logan is adamant the winger racially abused him on two separate occasions during the first-half of yesterday’s lunchtime kick-off. Logan informed the Aberdeen coaching staff as soon as he reached the away dressing-room at the interval, and was extremely upset.
Dons boss Derek McInnes informed his opposite number, Ronny Deila, of the situation as well as his assistant John Collins just before the beginning of the second-half.
Tonev was already back on the pitch by then, and wasn’t confronted by both Deila and Collins until the end of the match.
The Sunday Post understands the 24-year-old vehemently denied the allegations, and insisted he never abused his opponent. But it will now be up to the SFA to try and establish if the allegations can be proven when a probe gets underway.
Both players and both managers are likely to be contacted by the SFA Disciplinary Department, as will referee Madden.
However, an SFA insider suggested it will be almost impossible to substantiate Logan’s claims.
He said: “Right now, it is one player’s word against another player’s word. Unless it was overheard by another player or somehow captured on TV pictures then it makes it very difficult to take the matter any further.
“A process will take place where an investigation takes place.”
Tonev arrived at Parkhead this summer on a one-year loan deal from Aston Villa with a view to a permanent deal. He was making his debut yesterday after arriving with a groin injury, and is aiming to force his way back into the Bulgarian national team.
If the allegations were to be proven, Celtic would most likely attempt to rip-up his loan agreement and send him back to his parent club.
It’s understood Villa manager Paul Lambert was also made aware of the allegations late last night as he travelled back on the team coach following his side’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool. Lambert is believed to have found Tonev’s attitude to be less than acceptable throughout his one-year spell at the English Premier League club.
The final straw was his failure to secure a visa to travel to the United States for their pre-season tour. On his return, the former Celtic midfielder told both Tonev and his agent to find a new club.
Lambert has also made it clear he doesn’t want to see the winger back at the club.
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