Derek McInnes disappointed by Kyle Lafferty Kilmarnock ban wait as he hits out at SFA

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has hit out at the SFA for their delay in dealing with Kyle Lafferty’s alleged use of sectarian language.

McInnes insisted the Ayrshire club are “surprised and disappointed” by the long wait over the matter, when he spoke after his side crashed to a 4-1 defeat on his return to Aberdeen. Northern Ireland striker Lafferty could be hit with a 10-game ban but his hearing won’t go ahead until October 20. That means he remains available for now and McInnes included his player in the squad for Pittodrie.

The Killie boss said: “I thought long and hard about (including him). As a club we were more than a bit surprised and disappointed that the SFA hadn’t dealt with it quicker. We were hoping that would be the case, because ultimately we’ve fined Kyle and put our punishment towards him. We were expecting the SFA to follow suit.

“There’s five games between now and the SFA hearing, so if he is going to get banned – as we expect – why should we elongate the ban? He’s free to play and I don’t have the luxury of leaving good players out.”

Killie have imposed a “substantial fine” on their player over a sectarian remark he allegedly made on a video posted on social media. He faces SFA charges for using insulting language – which includes reference to the likes of ethnic origin, race, nationality, religion or belief – and not acting in the best interests of football.

Speaking to the BBC, McInnes added: “He’s made a mistake, he’s put his hands up which was what we needed from him. As a club we’ve acted very quickly and we were hoping there would be a conclusion to it a bit more speedily from the SFA.”

On the match, McInnes said: “We have gifted them goals. It was a tough one and we have to be better