CELTIC are standing by Aleksander Tonev after the midfielder's appeal against an SFA racism verdict was rejected today.

The Bulgarian was hit with a seven-game ban after a judicial panel in October found him guilty of racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan.

In the wake of that decision, an appeal was lodged on the Aston Villa loanee's behalf with the hearing being held on December 4.

And it has now been announced by the SFA that Tonev's appeal has been thrown out, with his seven-match suspension kicking in immediately with one game already served.

Celtic and their manager Ronny Deila have stood by the midfielder throughout the process since the incident took place back September 13.

And today they have expressed their disappointment at the decision not to overturn the original verdict, stating they continue to support their player.

The appeal panel's verdict in full

A club statement read: "Celtic Football Club is extremely disappointed by the outcome of the Scottish FA's Appeal Tribunal.

"We do not consider that any player should be found guilty of such a grave offence on the basis of the evidence presented in this case. Celtic Football Club will be approaching the Scottish FA to seek to address this issue.

"We would like to make it clear that at no stage was it ever suggested that Shay Logan had made any false allegations. However, Aleksandar Tonev's position consistently has been that he did not say the words that were alleged to have been said and that he is not a racist. Celtic Football Club has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Aberdeen Football Club and this, of course, will continue.

"As we have said many times before, racism has no place in football and as a Club which has been open to all ever since its formation in 1888, Celtic abhors racism of any kind.

"Clearly, Aleksandar continues to have our full support."