Ciftci facing SFA hearing on bite charge

Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci has been charged with biting Dundee’s Jim McAlister in the final derby of the season,

The SFA have taken their time before citing the Tannadice forward and have set a hearing for Monday July 20.

United have said they will now “review the evidence” before commenting further.

Photographs of the alleged incident, and a leg wound claimed to be McAlister’s, circulated on social media in the hours following the May 24 match.

A statement from the club read: “Dundee United confirms it has received a notice of complaint from the compliance officer in relation to an alleged breach of disciplinary rule 202 by striker Nadir Ciftci in the SPFL Premiership fixture v Dundee on Sunday 24th May.

“The club will review the evidence ahead of the deadline on Thursday 25th June once it has received the full documentation from the Scottish FA.”

United had previously issued a strong defence of their star striker.

Having now been served with a notice of complaint, Ciftci will have to defend himself against a charge of excessive misconduct, which would likely bring a substantial ban if proved.

Last week it emerged that Ciftci, who has one year to run on his current United deal, had turned down the offer of a new contract.