Aleksandar Tonev’s Aston Villa future could be in doubt after he was found guilty of using racist remarks (Picture: Getty)

At a time when Aston Villa are in a five-game goal drought, it seems odd to be talking about a player not currently with the club and who could never score anyway.

But Aleksandar Tonev, farmed out on loan to Celtic, will be causing Villa’s hierarchy a few headaches from afar following the seven-match ban slapped on him for using racial insults.

An SFA panel found the Bulgarian guilty of ‘excessive misconduct by the use of offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature’. He was charged after complaints by Aberdeen defender Shay Logan during a Scottish Premiership match last month.



Tonev maintains his innocence and Celtic have said they will appeal the verdict. The club are sticking by their man, who insists he did not utter the words he has been found guilty of using.


One hopes for everyone’s sake that, whoever deserves it, justice prevails once the appeal is heard.

For now, Tonev stands guilty of racially abusing another human being. And if that stands, it can’t be tolerated.

Tonev has played in the Europa League while on loan at Celtic (Picture: Getty Images)

Celtic, and Villa if they wish, are well within their rights to support the player’s side of the story while he protests his innocence. But, if the appeal is dismissed, they must act decisively and send a message.

It is true that few Villa supporters would shed any tears if Tonev didn’t pull on a claret and blue shirt again. His 20 appearances since signing from Lech Poznan last summer were try-hard but ultimately fruitless.

However, when it comes to something as serious as this, there should be no distinction made between the indispensables and the expendables. One rule must surely fit all.

The comments Tonev has been found guilty of making may have been a reaction, an out-of-character one-off outburst or a misunderstanding of what’s culturally acceptable. Some would argue it doesn’t make him a ‘racist’ per se.

However, Villa is a club not only with a high concentration of black and minority ethnic supporters but plenty of right-thinking people full stop. Search for mentions of Tonev’s name on Twitter and internet forums and the word ‘sack’ is not far behind.

Aleksandar Tonev, on loan at Celtic from Villa, suspended for seven matches for racist abuse. He should never return to Villa, ever #avfc — Jay White (@jaywhite_1) October 30, 2014

If Tonev is found guilty of racial abuse I hope #avfc sack him — ian (@ianrobo1) October 30, 2014

Villa could make a real statement against racism in the game by terminating Tonev's contract. #avfc — Graham Owen (@GrahamMilesOwen) October 30, 2014

Given his chequered relationship with Villa’s fans, many will be happy to wash their hands of him.

But punishments should be metered out across the board. Too many clubs have had their credibility ruined either by standing by shamed star names or treating younger players more harshly than their senior counterparts.

Tonev has every right to a fair hearing. If he feels wronged, he should doggedly pursue justice for himself.

But if the verdict comes back the same, he shouldn’t expect to return to Villa Park.

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