Kyle Lafferty is charged by the SFA over alleged use of ‘sectarian’ language

Kyle Lafferty has been charged by the SFA over his alleged use of sectarian language — and could now be facing a lengthy ban.

Lafferty has also been hit with a ‘substantial fine’ by his club side Kilmarnock after they concluded their own internal investigation.

Footage emerged of the 35-year-old striker last week whilst he was on international duty with Northern Ireland.

It appeared to show Lafferty reacting to a Celtic supporter whilst on a night out with his Northern Irish team-mates.

Lafferty had initially posed for a photo but is alleged to have reacted with a sectarian remark after the fan said ‘Up the Celts’.

The former Rangers striker was then axed from the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their Nations League games with Kosovo and Greece.

That had prompted an internal investigation by Killie, but the SFA then stepped in and got involved in the matter.

Kyle Lafferty has been axed from Northern Ireland’s squad for their Nations League fixtures

Sportsmail understands Lafferty is unlikely to play in Killie’s match against Aberdeen on Saturday — and could be handed a lengthy ban if found guilty.

He has been hit with two charges. One relates to the use of offensive and/or abusive language, with the other relating to a failure to act in the best interests of football. He will now face an SFA disciplinary hearing on October 20.

The SFA tightened rules around offensive behaviour earlier this year, with the regulations now stating a minimum suspension of ten games for anyone who is found to have used discriminatory language.

Killie boss Derek McInnes had been reluctant to say too much on the matter in his press conference yesterday afternoon while the investigation was ongoing.

Lafferty (left) was heard using sectarian language while being filmed by a football fan

The striker was subjected to sectarian abuse during his first spell at Glasgow Rangers in 2011

But Killie released a statement on Thursday night which read: ‘Kilmarnock Football Club has concluded its investigation into an alleged comment made by Kyle Lafferty which was circulated across social media via a video recording on Thursday, September 22.

‘The club can confirm that Kyle regrets his actions and acknowledges that he has let down himself, his family, the club and the supporters.

‘Kilmarnock Football Club has subsequently taken internal action, including the serving of a substantial fine. The club has also engaged Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, Nil By Mouth, which will work with Kyle closely one-to-one.’