Tonev charged over alleged racism

Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev has been hit with a Scottish Football Association charge over alleged racist abuse.

Aberdeen full-back Shay Logan accused the on-loan Aston Villa player of a racial slur during his team’s 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park last weekend.

And the Scottish Football Association compliance officer has issued a notice of complaint accusing Tonev of “excessive Misconduct by the use of offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature”.

Tonev, who made his Celtic debut against the Dons, has denied theallegations and he has until September 26 to respond, with a Hampden hearing pencilled in for October 9.

Meanwhile, Celtic boss Ronny Deila believes goalkeeper Craig Gordon is ready to resume his Scotland career in next month’s European Championship qualifier against Georgia at Ibrox.

The 31-year-old has been a revelation at Parkhead since signing on a free in the summer after two years out of the game with injuries.

Gordon Strachan recalled the former Hearts and Sunderland player into his squad for the opening qualifier against Germany in Dortmund earlier in the month as back-up to Allan McGregor and David Marshall.

Another fine display by Gordon in Celtic’s 2-2 Europa League Group D draw with Salzburg in Austria on Thursday night had Hoops boss Deila once more reaching for superlatives and Scotland fans relishing the prospect of three top-class keepers vying for the number one spot.

The Norwegian admitted he was “very glad” he did not have to choose between the three shot-stoppers but believes Gordon is ready to add to his 40 caps, the last of which was won against the Faroe Islands in a friendly at Pittodrie in 2010.

Speaking ahead of the Premiership clash with Motherwell at Parkhead tomorrow, Deila said: “I think Craig has been very good and, of course, Gordon has the problem with at least three goalkeepers I know about who are very good, so that is good for Scotland.”