ALEKSANDAR TONEV has the full support of the Celtic dressing room as he attempts to clear his name against allegations of racism, captain Scott Brown confirmed yesterday.
Ronny Deila, the manager, has consistently backed the Bulgarian, who denies having racially abused Aberdeen's Shay Logan during an SPFL Premiership game at Celtic Park on September 13.
The winger was given a seven-game ban for the offence following a hearing by a Scottish Football Association Independent Judicial Panel last week, but Celtic immediately indicated that they supported the player and now Brown has done so on behalf of the squad.
Tonev sat out Saturday's win over Inverness as Deila explained that "the player's head was not right", and he was said to be depressed by the outcome of the hearing. The SFA confirmed yesterday that an appeal had been submitted and, until a hearing can be convened, the remainder of the suspension will be set aside.
Deila admitted he would have to assess the situation before deciding whether Tonev should be involved in Sunday's game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. However, he does intend to bring the Aston Villa on-loan winger into his plans for tonight's Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu.
The absence of Anthony Stokes, through illness, the injured Kris Commons and James Forrest, and also of John Guidetti, who is ineligible during the group stages of the competition, increases the chances of Tonev being involved. Deila explained that another factor in favour of the 24-year-old was that here, in Romania, there is little or no public interest in the case.
"I think Europe is easier for him to play in than Scotland, but this has had an effect of him," said Deila. "I feel sorry for him. Anybody would be upset. It's a very hard thing to be accused of. But we're supporting him, and I think he will be ready for the game."
Brown revealed that the entire multi-racial Celtic squad is supportive of their team-mate and have complete faith that he is innocent of the allegations.
"We all stick by him," said Brown. "We know he didn't say it; that's the main thing. He doesn't need to explain himself.
"We all believe him when he says he didn't do it. We all stand by him. We know Aleks doesn't lie."
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