ALEKSANDAR TONEV has the full support of the Celtic dressing room as he attempts to clear his name after being found guilty of racially abusing Aberdeen's Shay Logan during an SPFL game at Parkhead on September 13.
Hoops boss Ronny Deila has consistently backed the Bulgarian, who denies the offence for which he was given a seven-game ban following a hearing by an independent judicial panel last week.
Tonev sat out Saturday's win over Inverness as Deila claimed the player was depressed by the outcome of the hearing.
An appeal has now been submitted and the SFA have set aside the remainder of the suspension until it is heard.
Deila says he will have to assess the situation before deciding if Tonev should be involved in Sunday's game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
However, the manager intends to bring the 24-year-old back into his plans for tonight's Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu.
Deila said: "I think Europe is easier for him to play in than Scotland, but this has had an effect on him. It would have on anybody and I feel sorry for him.
"Anybody would be upset. It's a hard thing to be accused of. But we're supporting him, and I think he will be ready for the game."
Captain Scott Brown has revealed the entire multi-racial squad believe Tonev is innocent of the allegations.
Brown said: "We all stick by him. 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."
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