Dundee Utd's Nadir Ciftci faces ban for 'seizing' official by throat

Dundee United's Nadir Ciftci could be banned for 16 matches after being accused of grabbing an assistant referee by the throat.

The striker, 21, was sent off for his part in a 20-man brawl in Tuesday's League Cup defeat by Inverness.

He has now been accused of excessive misconduct for allegedly "seizing" assistant referee Gavin Harris.

Ciftci also faces a count of violent conduct for the claim he grabbed an Inverness player's face.

United appealed against his red card before the Scottish Football Association issued the two disciplinary notices and are yet to comment further.

His disciplinary case will be heard on Thursday.

Ciftci was shown a straight red card just before half-time at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium after the brawl triggered by Gary Mackay-Steven going to ground following a clash with Inverness skipper Richie Foran.

The former Turkey Under-19 striker, who has previously played for Portsmouth, Kayserispor and NAC Breda, joined Dundee United in July on a two-year contract. He has seven goals in 13 appearances this season.

Speaking immediately after the game, United boss Jackie McNamara said: "It stemmed from Gary Mackay-Steven taking one in the side of the face.

"I thought it was a foul and I thought the assistant referee had seen it as well.

"But he decided to do nothing about it and suddenly everything else breaks loose at that moment."

Ciftci has until Thursday 7 November to respond.