KILMARNOCK striker Kyle Lafferty will face St Johnstone at Rugby Park tonight, even though he faces a minimum suspension of 10-games which could sideline the 35-year-old until January.
The former Rangers star was cited by the SFA’s compliance officer last week when a film was posted on social media last week in which he called a fan who had requested a photograph while he was out with his Northern Ireland team-mates, by a sectarian slur after he shouted “up the Celtic!”
He’s been charged, under Rule 81, of using “offensive, insulting or abusive language” and also under Rule 77, which covers not acting in the best interests of Scottish football. Lafferty’s case will be heard at Hampdenonl October 20 but, although he was an unused substitute during Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Aberdeen, he may start for second-bottom Killie against the Perth club.
“He will be involved,” said manager Derek McInnes. “I’ve said what I’ve said on that and I don’t think it’s right for me to keep going on about it. Kyle’s brought this situation on himself and we’re going to have to deal with the consequences of that.
“I was hoping it could have been dealt with a bit slicker and speedier but it is what it is and we should all try to move on until the SFA pass their judgement.
“His fitness is fine – he missed a couple of days with Northern Ireland due to a minor back complaint and then all this blew up but he’s been absolutely fine in training.”
Lafferty has already been disciplined by his employers and will also receive counselling in the wake of his sectarian response.
“For us, we’ve spoken to Kyle and demonstrated what we feel we want him to get from this,” McInnes added. “It’s not just about fining him. The biggest thing for me – and it should go a long way – is that he’s owned up to it and been apologetic and remorseful.
“In time, I’m sure Kyle will be able to speak for himself but for us as a club, we wanted certain things in place which could maybe help him going forward.”
