Nadir Ciftci has denied claims he bit Jim McAlister on Sunday during the Dundee derby. United say Ciftci was the victim during his side's 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over neighbours Dundee, and have issued a robust defence of their player. Ciftci is likely to face a SFA inquiry after McAlister seemingly accused the Turkish-born forward of biting him towards the end of the final game of the season. A statement from United read: "Dundee United FC are fully supportive of Nadir Ciftci in relation to allegations reportedly made against him by a Dundee player in the 3-0 derby win on Sunday at Tannadice. The club has interviewed Nadir today as the accusation levelled against him is very serious and Dundee United would not condone such behaviour. The player is both surprised and upset by the accusation and, on discussing the matter in detail, it is clear to us that the player has not been involved in any such incident. In fact we commend Nadir for his tolerance on the field given some quite severe physical and totally unacceptable verbal provocation."
Nadir Cifcti and Jim McAlister clash (c) Craig Brown | SportPix.org.uk
McAlister can be heard claiming Ciftci bit him on a video posted on the SPFL's official YouTube channel. McAlister tackled a grounded Ciftci before the referee's whistle blew and several players became involved in a melee. Images show Ciftci with his head up close and facing McAlister's leg. The SPFL video - entitled "Tempers flare in tetchy Dundee derby" – shows McAlister pointing to his leg and shouting to referee Bobby Madden that he had been bitten. A pitchside microphone is less than 10 yards away. It is understood Ciftci could face an exceptional misconduct charge from SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan, but a notice of complaint could take some time to materialise. McGlennan will first need to collate any evidence and view submissions from Madden, as well as Ciftci and his club.