Aberdeen and Celtic players break Covid quarantine rules

[CammyF 8,079]

What other possible sanctions to the SPFL have in their locker to hit Celtic with?

 - breaking Covid propocal?

- bringing game into disrepute?

- fielding an ineligible player?

 

Can't wait for Doncaster to announcing what is happening here.........

[DMAA 3,658]

4 minutes ago, Frankie said:

Looking forward to Thursday morning when, after we draw 0-0 with St Johnstone tomorrow night, we find out Jordan Jones carelessly drives RTV's special guest Thomas Buffel home to Belgium.

I forgot about Jordan Jones ?‍♂️ it's a matter of time 

[Bluedell 5,624]

"CELTIC Football Club unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions.

 

It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation. The Club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures.

 

Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club today, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions.

 

All of our playing and backroom staff have been tested twice for Covid-19 since this incident and all, including the player in question, have tested negative. While this comes as a relief to all concerned, it in no way diminishes the seriousness or stupidity of the player’s actions.

 

Since the Covid -19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.   

 

We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area.

 

It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally."

[the gunslinger 3,366]

That would be a lot of fixture congestion for them

[Uilleam 5,929]

Coronavirus Joint Response Group Update – 11 August

Tuesday 11 August 2020

Scottish Government Update

During discussions this morning with the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing a request was received – and subsequently agreed by the Joint Response Group – for the postponement of the following fixtures:

Wednesday 12 August
Aberdeen v Hamilton Academical
St Mirren v Celtic

Saturday 15 August
Aberdeen v Celtic

These matches have been postponed in light of ongoing restrictions in Aberdeen and today’s news of a breach of government public health guidance and football protocols involving the Celtic FC player, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.

During further discussions today with the Minister and government advisers, the JRG has offered to work on a range of measures – which will involve the whole of professional football in Scotland - to underpin a commitment to raising public health awareness and reaffirm the collective responsibility of the national game.

Rod Petrie, Chair of the JRG: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.

“Since March, the Joint Response Group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.

“Players must heed the warning of the First Minister that this is a yellow-card moment for Scottish football.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game. For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth. 

“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”

 

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/coronavirus-joint-response-group-update-11-august/?rid=13929

[the gunslinger 3,366]

We really need to win these next 2 games now. That was always the case but more so now. 

[craig 5,199]

5 hours ago, CammyF said:

Taking away the huge health implications, in playing him in the final few minutes of Sunday's game, have Celtic broken SFA / SPFL rules by playing an ineligible player?

 

He should have been self-isolating for 14 (?) days hence unavailable for selection.

It's a good point actually.  One that no doubt the SPFL will simply ignore.

[DMAA 3,658]

13 minutes ago, the gunslinger said:

We really need to win these next 2 games now. That was always the case but more so now. 

The first test of the mentality of the team this season. 

[craig 5,199]

2 hours ago, the gunslinger said:

i am quite please with this. 

 

celtc don't get a weakened Aberdeen. They do get lass match practice going into europe and they get a fixture pile up. 

 

 

And, hopefully, we will pick up 6 points from our next two games leaving us a full 8 points ahead of them - that catch up whilst is technically only 2 points becomes a mental hurdle for them to overcome.

 

Get the job done Rangers !

[Gonzo79 15,292]

1 hour ago, Bluedell said:

"CELTIC Football Club unreservedly condemns and apologises...

 

It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally."

 

So I take it Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo isn't a 'separate entity'?