Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty has admitted he used a sectarian slur in a video widely shared on social media last week and has been hit with a 'substantial' fine by the club.
The 35-year-old has also been charged by the SFA and faces further action from the governing body, with a hearing taking place on October 20.
The Northern Irishman was on international duty when the incident occurred and was subsequently sent home from the national team camp meaning he played no part in his country’s Nations League fixtures.
After an internal investigation, Lafferty admitted to regrets over his conduct and will engage with the Kilmarnock's work in the community 'for the foreseeable future'.
And the club have brought in Scotland's leading anti-sectarianism charity Nil By Mouth to work with the player on an individual basis to ensure his understanding of the issue and future conduct.
The club said: "Kilmarnock Football Club has concluded its investigation into an alleged comment made by Kyle Lafferty which was circulated across social media via a video recording on Thursday, 22 September.
"The club can confirm that Kyle regrets his actions and acknowledges that he has let down himself, his family, the club and the supporters.
"Kilmarnock has subsequently taken internal action, including the serving of a substantial fine. The club has also engaged Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, Nil By Mouth, which will work closely with Kyle on a one-to-one basis, in addition to delivering training to our first team squad and academy squad members, to provide education which the charity believes is key to tackling sectarianism in society.
"Kyle has also committed to supporting the club’s community projects which will see him participating in Nil by Mouth’s educational initiatives, in addition to serving Kilmarnock’s ‘Football for All’ programmes on a weekly basis for the foreseeable future.
"A Notice of Complaint has now been served and received by the club from the Compliance Officer at the Scottish FA with regards to the player, Kyle Lafferty. This hearing will be heard on Thursday, 20 October 2022. The club will now focus on fully cooperating with the Scottish FA’s investigation.
"Kilmarnock Football Club would like to thank Nil By Mouth for their ongoing support in this matter."
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