Scottish Premiership

SPARTAK MOSCOW have trolled Celtic over their controversial Dubai trip… after arriving in the desert state.
Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell was forced to issue an apology over the ill-fated getaway, which provoked fierce criticism from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the club’s own supporters.

Lawwell spoke in front of club TV cameras as he admitted the winter jaunt was ‘a mistake’ during a worsening global pandemic.
Crocked Celtic stopper Christopher Jullien tested positive with Covid on return, forcing 13 players to self-isolate along with boss Neil Lennon and assistant John Kennedy.
That left the Hoops decimated for the rearranged clash with Hibs as they were held to a 1-1 draw on Monday.
As a result, Celtic slipped 21 points behind champions-elect Rangers – killing their ten-in-a-row dreams once and for all.

Now, Russian side Spartak have travelled to the Middle East for a warm-weather training camp and couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at the Scottish champions.
Sharing a video of their squad walking through the airport, they tweeted: “We’re in Dubai. Any tips, @CelticFC?”.
The post caught the attention of supporters as they replied in their numbers, with one Celtic fan hitting back: “Zenit St Petersburg > Spartak….”
After Scott Brown and Neil Lennon were pictured poolside drinking beer, one Rangers punter joked: “Straight to the pool for some well earned pints.”

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While another Gers fan bragged: “Celtic are the laughing stock of the football world now fs, what have they become”.
The cheeky posts comes after Celtic fans were left baffled when Armstrong Oko-Flex was pictured wearing AIRPODS moments before his debut.
Gavin Strachan – who was in charge of the first-team for the clash with the Hibees – confirmed post-match that boss Lennon was communicating with the youngster through the headphones.

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position More

CELTIC fans have been left baffled after Armstrong Oko-Flex was pictured wearing an AIRPODS moments before making his debut.
The ex-Arsenal youngster, 18, came off the bench during the Hoops’ Premiership clash against Hibs.

Celtic starlet Oko-Flex was caught on camera with Airpod in his ear

But he was caught on camera wearing an Apple ear device, with many supporters speculating whether he was communicating with boss Neil Lennon, who is self-isolating at home along with No2 John Kennedy and 13 players. 
One fan said: “That better be Neil Lennon on the other end of that AirPod!”
Another wrote: “Okoflex with the AirPod in before going on? Never seen anything like it.”
A third commented: “Have I just witnessed a sub about to come on for Celtic and he’s an AirPod in. WTF is going on at Parkhead?”

A fourth posted: “If that Celtic sub with the AirPod doesn’t sum up their season I don’t know what does.”
Another stated: “Armstrong Okoflex with Airpods in before he comes on, safe to say I’ve never ever seen that before in football.”
While one other added: “Okoflex definitely listening to Neil Lennon through those AirPods.”

Strachan took charge of Celtic with Lennon isolatingCredit: PA:Press Association
Gavin Strachan – who was in charge of the first-team for the clash with the Hibees – confirmed post-match that Lennon was communicating with the youngster through the headphones.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Yes. We were just getting some messages to him before he came on the pitch.
“Everyone uses every bit of technology available to them and that is what we had available and we used it.
“It is good for a young player to hear the managers voice as well when he goes on the pitch.”

Teen attacker Oko-Flex was drafted into the Parkhead first-team squad after 15 playing and coaching staff were forced to isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive test.
American kid Cameron Harper made his first senior start, while Karamoko Dembele, Barry Coffey and Leo Hjelde were among those named on the bench.
David Turnbull netted a stunning free-kick late on for the hosts in what looked to be the winner, but Kevin Nisbet popped up in added-time to secure a draw for the Hibees.
In April, Celtic launched an investigation after Oko-Flex was slammed for saying an eight-year-old would be “peng” when she’s older.

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position More

THIS surely has to be the end of ten now for Celtic.
A consequence of a self-inflicted blunder of unbelievable proportions to go to Dubai – and end up with a shadow team.

Hibs are level in stoppage time! ⏱️Laxalt gives away a soft free kick before Hazard makes a mess of his attempted clearance, allowing Nisbet the chance to side-foot home!Watch live on Sky Sports Football or follow it here: https://t.co/KAFIQBixRB pic.twitter.com/QGkWMt8zwz
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 11, 2021

Celtic star David Turnbull thought he’d won it but for Nisbet’s late levellerCredit: PA:Press Association

But this was also heart-breaking for those called on to keep alive faint title hopes.
They gave absolutely everything in the pouring rain and David Turnbull’s late wonder free-kick looked to have given them a stunning victory.
But, a minute into added time Kevin Nisbet pounced to shatter Hoops hearts – and no also doubt spark wild celebrations in every Rangers-loving household.
Rangers’ lead is now 21 points and not even three games in hand can revive it for the Hoops now.

Only a catastrophic collapse by the Light Blues will do that.
Rarely before has a Hibs team been under such pressure to avoid defeat at Parkhead.
Seeing the Celtic team-sheet – no Ajer, Christie, Griffiths, Edouard, Elyounoussi – with an astonishing 15 players out, primarily through Covid-19 reasons, cranked up hugely expectation on them for a result.
From the lunch-time moment Celtic confirmed the already crocked Christopher Jullien had tested positive and that 13 more players, plus even Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, were having to self isolate, the social media chat of WHO would be in the Hoops side dripped of ridicule.

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Kevin Nisbet netted late to snatch a point for HibernianCredit: PA:Press Association

And, yet, they were still able to name a team with decent pedigree with only kid Cameron Harper, 19, an unknown.
The troubled Shane Duffy – who quit the Dubai trip early for ‘personal reasons’ – had been ruled out over the weekend supposedly due to Covid bubble reasons.
Yet, here he was – understood to have delivered two negative tests in the space of at least 48-hours.
Sacramento rookie Harper has been wishing a full Hoops debut for long enough, but never in these circumstances…dramatically picked to fill the shoes of Edouard.
A USA youth ace truly living the American dream.
Hibs for their part didn’t have Martin Boyle and immediate cynicism said he was one of the squad with reservations of playing due to Celtic’s Covid predicament.
But the truth was more mundane – he’d merely rolled his ankle in training.
Boss Jack Ross had five changes following a third successive defeat – with 6ft 6ins Matt Macey making his debut in goal.
Top three aiming Hibs were quick to put the pressure on the thrown-together Celts.
A third minute Melker Hallberg corner was met with a glancing Nisbet header which dropped just over.
Then four minutes later Joe Newell’s well struck left foot volley was pushed away by Conor Hazard.
Costly loan stopper Duffy’s been much maligned for dreadful displays – but he deserved credit for a superb clearing far post header from an excellent Newell cross with two Hibs players prowling.
It was all Hibs with the Celts looking like they were still trying to get to know each other.

Jamie Murphy put in Nisbet with a great pass and after moving into the box he unleashed a low right foot which Hazard held well down to his right.
Celtic finally showed in the 10th minute – Turnbull’s right foot shot producing Macey’s first save.
It lifted the Hoops and Harper, from a 25th minute Mikey Johnston through ball, raced into the box and fired into the side-net from an acute angle.
It was a decent chance – but screaming at him were Tom Rogic and Turnbull who were better placed for a cut-back.
Harper cut a slight figure against the physical Paul Hanlon and Ryan Porteous but he was tireless with his running into space and harrying.
Macey – in from Arsenal until the end of the season – looked the part and two minutes from half time he produced a decent tip over from a rasping Ismaila Soro shot from 30-yards.
Seconds later he managed even better – a stunning save high to his right to push away a Diego Laxalt effort from distance.
Suddenly, Celtic swarmed over the Hibees defence and great skill by Turnbull, flicking the ball up to Callum McGregor in the box, saw the captain fail to finish in equal style.
It had been a decent half and Hibs brought on Lewis Stevenson after the break for his 500th appearance.
Celtic, of course, badly needed the three points but they were up against a yellow Hibees wall of three uncompromising stoppers and two quick wing-backs. Alex Gogic, too, was an effective spoiler in front.
It was hard going for the under pressure champions with Hibs – who also quickly introduced Christian Doidge – possessing plenty of know-how in attack.

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position
Cramp victim Harper was replaced by another debutant, Irish youth international Armstrong Oko-flex, as the Hoops options began to look thread-bare.
And they were grateful to Hazard on the hour for a wonderful point-blank block from Hallberg who’d been sent in by Newell.
Johnston screamed for a penalty after trickery in the box invited a Porteous challenge but ref Steven McLean wasn’t interested.
Celtic toiled to create chances as Hibs tried to turn the screw at the other end.
Then Johnston weaved some magic before shooting weakly at Macey from distance.
Hibs responded with a deflected Nisbet volley in the box which almost wrong-footed Hazard who adjusted to save.
Ten minutes from the end it appeared bleak for Celtic – until Turnbull rose to the occasion.
He’d played his heart out, taking on added responsibility, when he won a free-kick from Hibs sub Stephen McGinn in the perfect position.
And from 20-yards he curled a sublime right foot effort into the far top corner.
It was a sensational, priceless goal under big pressure – and you bet messrs Lennon and Kennedy were up on their feet in their living rooms shouting for joy.
But then there was despair in the 91st minute – yet more set-piece torment – as a Paul McGinn header from sub Stevie Mallan’s free-kick was cleared off the line by Duffy – and Nisbet rammed home from five yards.
The Verdict
CELTIC: Hazard 8, Frimpong 7, Duffy 7, Welsh 7, Laxalt 7, Soro 7, McGregor 7, Harper 5 (Oko-flex 3) Johnston 6 (Dembele 3), Turnbull 9, Rogic 6 (Henderson 3). Booked: Soro
HIBS: Macey 7, P McGinn 6, Porteous 6, Hanlon 6, Doig 4 (Stevenson 5), Hallberg 7 (S McGinn 3), Gogic 6, Wright 5 (Doidge 3), Newell 6 (Mallan 3), Murphy 7, Nisbet 7. Booked: Porteous
REF: Steven McLean 7 More

CELTIC face a Covid crisis after THIRTEEN players were forced to self-isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive case.
And boss Neil Lennon and assistant manager John Kennedy have also been told to stay at home.

Celtic are meant to host Hibs tonight at ParkheadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

It comes just days after the Hoops returned from their controversial trip to Dubai.
The Parkhead giants confirmed they plan to fulfil tonight’s fixture against Hibs despite being without several key personnel. 
SunSport understands reserve coaches Tommy McIntyre and Stephen McManus will be helping Gavin Strachan in the dugout. 
A host of reserve players have also been called-up, with Karamoko Dembele, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Cameron Harper among them.

A club statement confirmed: “Celtic Football Club confirmed today that Christopher Jullien has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home. We wish Christopher a speedy recovery.
“While all of the other members of the squad and backroom team have tested negative, we have been informed by the authorities that, having been deemed ‘close contacts’, Celtic manager Neil Lennon, assistant John Kennedy and 13 first-team players will be required to self-isolate on a precautionary basis as required by the current regulations.
“The Club would like to thank the Scottish FA, JRG and the Scottish Government for their assistance in managing this case. Celtic will, of course, fulfil its fixture against Hibernian this evening.
“Clearly we are hugely disappointed, as we know our supporters will be.

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Celtic defender Christopher Jullien has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
“The contacts were identified during the period from Wednesday last week, primarily around flight and team coach travel, during which time Celtic applied the same rigorous protocols used for pre-season training camps, UEFA match travel and for all domestic match arrangements in Scotland.
“These protocols have served us well in the past, as the Club has not had one positive case in our own ‘bubble’ until now.
“As we have already stated, Celtic’s decision to travel to Dubai for a training camp was for performance reasons.
“Whilst we were in Dubai, the announcements made on January 4 significantly changed the COVID landscape.  
“The reality is that a case could well have occurred had the team remained in Scotland, as other cases have done in Scottish football and across UK sport in the past week.
“Celtic has done everything it can to ensure we have in place the very best procedures and protocols.
“From the outset of the pandemic, Celtic has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football and we will continue to do so.”
Scotland’s travel corridor with the desert state slammed shut last night as a 10-day quarantine for returning travellers was put in place.
Speaking today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It’s impossible for me to talk about Dubai today without making some mention of the situation with Celtic Football Club.
“I can’t tell you how disappointed and frustrating I am to be facing another briefing that may, though this is of course up to journalists, be dominated by football.
“Football and elite sport more generally enjoys a number of privileges right now that the rest of us don’t have.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon admits she doubts Celtic’s trip to Dubai was essential
“These privileges include the right to go to overseas training camps and be exempt from quarantine on return.
“It is really vital, obviously for public health reasons, but I also think out of respect for the rest of the population living under really heavy restrictions, that these privileges are not abused.
“I know that what I’m about to say won’t please everyone. Nothing I can say about football ever pleases everyone.
“But as I have said before, I do have doubts about how the club itself described it, doubts about whether Celtic’s trip to Dubai was really essential.
“I have doubts based on some doubts I’ve seen about whether adherence to bubble rules was strict enough.
“Celtic now have a positive case and another 15 playing and coaching staff are being required to isolate.

“Now, as in any situation like this, it’s for the football authorities to decide whether any further action is necessary and it’s for them to consider that carefully.
“But this whole episode should underline how serious the situation we are in is and why everyone including football should be erring on the side of caution.
“I know fans of other clubs feel very strongly that the whole of football should not pay the price of any one club, whoever they may be, and I agree with that.
“However, a situation like this does make it essential for us to review the rules, including those around travel exemptions and that is of course what we will be doing.
“But as we do, I would hope that Celtic themselves would reflect seriously on all of this.”

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position More

ON LOAN Celtic kid Jonathan Afolabi has been subjected to online racist abuse.
The Hoops youngster is on loan at Dundee this season and scored in their Scottish Cup victory over Bonnyrigg Rose last night.

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Jonathan Afolabi was subjected to online racist abuse after playing for DundeeCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
And after the dramatic match – in which the Dens Park side came from behind to win 3-2 – the striker shared seven disgusting messages – sent to him on Instagram by one individual.
In the several sick posts, Afolabi was branded the ‘n-word’ and “a f*****g monkey”.
He posted the sick messages on to his Insta story on the social media app.

Screenshotting the comments, he wrote: “Ye sound mate!”

Following last night’s Scottish Cup victory over Bonnyrigg Rose we were made aware of vile racist messages that had been directed to one of our players.Dundee Football Club utterly condemns racism in any form. https://t.co/REw4yyHsgl
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) January 10, 2021

A spokesperson for Celtic said: “Such vile, abhorrent behaviour must be challenged and condemned wherever it exists. 
“It is disgraceful that Jonathan should be targeted in this way through such sickening racist abuse.
“Jonathan is a young player who will receive the full support of everyone at Celtic.

“Everything should be done to identify those responsible and all appropriate action should be taken.”

The striker has done well at Dens on loan from CelticCredit: Michael Schofield – The Sun Glasgow
And loan club Dundee have released a strong statement warning that any form of abuse will not be tolerated.
A club spokesperson said: “Following last night’s Scottish Cup victory over Bonnyrigg Rose we were made aware of vile racist messages that had been directed to one of our players.
“Dundee Football Club utterly condemns racism in any form.
“Racism has no place in society. We have reported these unacceptable messages and will look into what further steps can be taken.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first incident in the last seven days which has seen one of our players being subjected to abuse. After last weekend’s match with Heart of Midlothian, another player received disgusting messages which have also been reported.

Afolabi scores against HeartsCredit: Michael Schofield – The Sun Glasgow
“As a club we have zero tolerance for these abusive messages and give our players our full support.”
Fans from both Dundee and parent club Celtic have been quick to show their support for the 20-year-old.
@DensParkChoir said: “This is not on @Dundee FC (please look into this!).
“Disgusting. We’re all with you Jono.
“This is 2021. There’s no room for this in the world. #SayNoToRacism.
“We take the knee until the message is heard and understood by EVERYONE.
“There is no room for racial discrimination in society let alone football. We stand with Jonathan Afolabi.
“Say. No. To. Racism.”
@peter_mackay_ said: “Jonathan Afolabi shared this on Instagram. Disgusting behaviour. Must be stopped.”

@ben_hafc18 said: “Jonathan Afolabi shares the disgusting racial abuse he received after tonight’s game. THIS. NEEDS. TO. STOP.”
Another added: “Some vile disgusting RACIST posted abhorrent messages on social media last night directed at Jonathan Afolabi.”
Celtic have been contacted for comment.

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position More

CELTIC have confirmed one player has tested positive for coronavirus following their trip to Dubai.
The Hoops revealed in a statement that everybody else within the first team bubble are negative.

Celtic confirmed the news this afternoonCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

The Parkhead club returned home from the Middle East on Friday evening.
The first team spent six days in the UAE for a warm weather training camp in a bid to try get their season back on track.
Now, 48-hours after returning home to Glasgow, one player, who is unnamed at this time, has contracted the deadly virus.
A club statement read: “Celtic today confirmed that one player has recorded a positive test for covid-19.

Celtic today confirmed that one player has recorded a positive test for covid-19. Clearly the player will receive all our care and full support.All other members of our squad, management team and backroom squad are negative.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 10, 2021

“Clearly the player will receive all our care and full support.
“All other members of our squad, management team and backroom squad are negative.”
First minister Nicola Sturgeon called for the SFA to look into the trip last week.
The FM said snaps widely shared online “raised a question” whether “all the rules on what elite players have to do within their bubbles around social distancing are being complied with.”

However, we then told you how the SFA WON’T investigate Celtic’s decision to travel for the winter training camp in the UAE.
SunSport understands the SFA feels there is no need to investigate Celtic’s decision to go on the trip which they and all relevant authorities signed off on back in November when the SPFL agreed to move their match against Hibernian to January 11.
It will then be over to the compliance officer to decide as to whether any protocol breaches have taken place out there – but there is no suggestion as yet that the Hoops will face any further action.
The Scottish Government said last Monday: “We would expect the SFA to look into Celtic’s trip further – while there are travel exemptions for elite sports which are designed to facilitate international and European competition, if we feel they’re being abused, we won’t hesitate to remove this privilege.”
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Yesterday assistant manager John Kennedy said the club had made “minor slip-ups” during the trip.
He told the media: “Listen, there have been slip ups with minor things and if you get a snapshot of something you can criticise and jump on it.
“We as much as we possibly can we speak to the players in terms of the protocols they must adhere to. Because everyone wants football to continue. We want to abide by all the rules.

“Any errror in that we try to eradicate that and fix it. That is what we did.
“The picture paints maybe a bleak picture.
“We have to move on from that, the government and the SFA have said there isn’t really a case to answer.”

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CALLUM MCGREGOR’S own goal consigned Celtic to defeat as Rangers moved 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Neil Lennon opted to stick with Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull in his midfield, with the likes of Scott Brown and Shane Duffy consigned to the bench.

Joe Aribo led the Rangers celebrationsCredit: Reuters

Rangers took the lead from a 70th minute set pieceCredit: Reuters

Rangers lead at Ibrox! 🟦Callum McGregor’s own-goal puts the hosts ahead against Celtic!Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/iNul5u3GnW
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021

The Northern Irishman’s selections looked to be working nicely, as Celtic dominated for large spells at Ibrox.
But the match turned on Nir Bitton’s 62nd minute red card.
The Israeli, selected ahead of Duffy, was turned by Alfredo Morelos – and subsequently hauled down the Colombian.
Referee Bobby Madden had no hesitation, as he reached for his back pocket and dismissed the Celtic defender.

Rangers took the lead just eight minutes later.
James Tavernier’s corner was met by Joe Aribo, whose glancing header hit the helpless McGregor and trickled past Vasilios Barkas.
Duffy, who came on after Bitton’s dismissal, might have been shown a red himself shortly after, following a reckless, lunging challenge.
Lennon then turned to Brown, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Tom Rogic as he chased a late equaliser.

Bitton was dismissed after hauling down MorelosCredit: Rex Features

Neither side gave an inch in the tackleCredit: Reuters

Neil Lennon watched his side fall 19 points behind their bitter rivalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But Rangers held firm to hand themselves a commanding 19 point lead at the top, although Celtic do still have three games in hand.
Gers No1 Allan McGregor told Sky Sports after the game: “Hopefully in five months’ time it will be a huge win. I thought we were really, really poor in the first half and the 15 minutes before the sending off occurred.
“We were a wee bit better after that but the win is the most important thing. I’ve no idea why but they looked hungrier first half but we managed to get the win.
“I wasn’t annoyed at having to be so busy. It’s part and parcel of the game, you need to focus and be ready for anything that is thrown at you.
“But I was annoyed at how bad we were. I keep repeating myself, the win is the most important thing.
“The boys dug it out well. If you go back to Walter’s (Smith) era, he was really good at that but that comes from the players and the messages the manager gives to us to carry out.”

Allan McGregor was forced to make some outstanding savesCredit: Reuters

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CELTIC have revealed the shock news that Christopher Jullien is out for up to FOUR months with a knee injury.
The big French defender was stretchered off against Dundee United after he collided with the post.

Celtic star Christopher Jullien is stretchered off against Dundee UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

Jullien knew immediately that he was struggling after the incident

And now Hoops boss Neil Lennon has confirmed the news which fans were dreading – he is now on the club’s long-term injured list.
The Northern Irishman recalled Nir Bitton in his place for today’s Old Firm clash with Rangers.
And after announcing his starting XI, Lennon revealed the huge Jullien blow to Sky Sports, saying: “He is a very important player for us but it is a bad injury and we are going to lose him for quite a period of time – maybe three or four months.
“On the eve of this game, it is a bit of a hammer blow for us really.”

The Hoops defender clattered his knee into a post as he bravely cleared a goalbound Marc McNulty shot off the line in the 3-0 win over Dundee United.
But the crucial intervention just two minutes into the second half came at a cost as it became immediately obvious the big Frenchman was in serious pain.
Meanwhile Neil Lennon said that today’s Glasgow grudge match is the biggest of his career.
Celtic need a win to keep alive their ten in a row hopes, with Rangers 16 points ahead having played three games more. Defeat would push Steven Gerrard’s side closer to a first top-flight title in a decade.

Asked if this was the most important Old Firm he had faced, Lennon said: “Yeah. They are always important.
“But with the position we find ourselves in, it’s important we don’t lose the game.
“We’re playing well, we’ve found a bit of form and consistency at the right time. So it’s important we take that into the game against a team that has started the season absolutely brilliantly.
“But it’s not beyond us at all. I think we go into the game in a positive frame of mind and take the game to Rangers as much as we possibly can.”

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