Hoops: We still stand by Tonev

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.”

The winger has appeared 10 times for Ronny Deila’s side, but with his loan deal from Aston Villa set to expire in January he could have played his last game for the club.

Boss Deila said: “This is something we will need to assess. It’s important to understand that people make mistakes.

“We have to assess it from there. Of course we have no support for racism, that’s clear. We will have nothing about that.

“Sometimes as a young player stupid things happen all the time with smaller issues.

“This is something we will need to assess but I really believe in him.

“I’m sure that he hasn’t said that towards the player.”