Nadir Ciftci has spoken of his gratitude to Dundee United as he faces two SFA notices of complaint against him.
The Turkish frontman was red-carded for alleged violent conduct against Inverness Caley Thistle player Graeme Shinnie as the Tangerines crashed out of the Scottish League Cup in the Highland capital on Tuesday.
United quickly stepped in to support their player by lodging an appeal of wrongful dismissal on Ciftci’s behalf, a decision that frees him up for today’s trip to Celtic Park ahead of Thursday’s disciplinary hearing.
That show of solidarity was warmly welcomed by Ciftci and the notice of complaint for the Shinnie incident was duly issued.
However, there was a serious sting in the tail for the player when the first charge was joined by a second one for allegedly grabbing assistant referee Gavin Harris by the throat.
The club have until next Thursday to decide what they are going to do about the latter complaint, with a separate hearing scheduled for November 21.
Referring only to the allegation regarding the Shinnie incident, Ciftci said: “Of course I am pleased that the club are supporting me by appealing the red card.
“I didn’t do what I’m being made out to have done. That is how I feel about it.”
He added: “I now want to play against Celtic and I am fit and ready for the game. The match can’t come quickly enough.
“We are all really determined to do well against Celtic because of the way in which we lost so late on in Inverness.
“Losing is part of football. You have to accept that. It was very disappointing but we have to move on that’s life.”
United were issued with yet another notice of complaint on Friday, this time against first-team coach Darren Jackson.
Jackson, along with ICT boss Terry Butcher, was sent to the stand by referee Kevin Clancy in the aftermath of the mass brawl at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
He is accused of a breach of disciplinary rule 203 thus: “Misconduct at a match by failing to behave in a responsible manner as an occupant of the technical area by leaving the technical area in the absence of special circumstances and by acting in an aggressive manner towards players of the opposing team.”
They have until next Friday to decide whether or not to appeal that one, while Butcher has also also been issued with a notice of complaint.
All in all, it was a nightmarish night for United up in Inverness.
Not only did they have Ciftci sent packing and Jackson ordered to the stand, they had eight other players booked.
Also, some were on the end of some hefty challenges, which left defender Andrew Robertson and goalkeeper Rado Cierzniak on the injured list.
Then came the concession of Ross Draper’s winning goal for ICT, a header from a setpiece in the final minute of extra-time.
Ciftci claimed that they will come out of their League Cup ordeal stronger.
“It is all about learning,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it is good or bad it is all experience.
“Everything makes you stronger. It is like scoring goals or missing chances. It’s all part and parcel of learning.
“We are still confident going to Celtic. I think everyone feels the same way. We feel we can go there and cause Celtic problems.
“They showed they were a good team the last time we played them at Tannadice earlier in the season. It was a very close game which they won with a late free-kick.
“But we are also a good team, we have been playing well and scoring goals. We want to go there and cause Celtic some problems.”