Inverness claim striker Todorov was racially abused at Raith

Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Nikolay Todorov was subjected to “extreme provocation, racist abuse and violence” in a match against Raith Rovers, the club alleged on Tuesday.

The Highland side released a statement after Todorov was issued with an excessive misconduct charge by the Scottish Football Association due to an alleged breach of conduct during the Championship match in Kirkcaldy on March 16.

Raith Rovers midfielder Iain Davidson has also been issued with an excessive misconduct charge for an alleged breach during the same match.

Both players face disciplinary hearings in the coming weeks.

Inverness CT said in a statement: “Today, Inverness Caledonian Thistle player Nikolay Todorov was issued a notice of complaint by the SFA. This relates to an allegation that disciplinary rule 202 was breached i.e ‘No player shall commit excessive misconduct at a match’.

“We will robustly defend our player from this allegation. Nikolay’s conduct on March 16 was entirely exemplary during the extreme provocation, racist abuse and violence he was subjected to. We are unable at this stage to comment further.”

Davidson was shown a straight red card for a foul on Todorov after ten minutes during the match at Stark’s Park last month.

Solicitor Aamer Anwar, who has been instructed to act on behalf of Todorov, said: “Nikolay Todorov vehemently denies that he is guilty of any misconduct. He sees the allegations as spurious and believes the facts will speak for themselves at a full hearing in due course.

“However, it is important to state what is already in the public domain, during the course of the match Nikolay was subjected to violent tackles on two occasions, whilst another player was grabbed by the throat, which resulted in a Raith Rovers player being issued two red cards on the second occasion and sent off.

“During the first incident it is alleged that Nikolay was subjected to racial abuse which left him shaken and upset. The alleged abuse was witnessed by others.”

Raith Rovers made no comment when approached by STV News.

A club spokesperson said: “We await the result of the disciplinary case involving Iain Davidson.”