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THE SFA and SPFL have both launched disciplinary cases against the eight Aberdeen players who were flouted coronavirus AND Celtic quarantine-breaker Boli Bolingoli. After discussions with Government, the Joint Response Group said it was firming up its procedures against players who stepped out of line. Bolingoli has almost certainly played his last match as a […] More
CELTIC have completed the signing of Swiss international striker Albian Ajeti in a £5million deal from West Ham. The 23-year-old becomes the Hoops‘ second permanent transfer of the summer, joining on a four-year contract. Ajeti’s former Basel team-mate Moi Elyounoussi has also been persuaded to sign on a second season-long loan at Celtic from Southampton. […] More
ADRIAN DURHAM insists Celtic and Aberdeen should be DOCKED POINTS after their players broke quarantine rules.
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday slapped both clubs with one-week match bans and warned she’ll scrap the season if more breaches emerge.
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Celtic and Aberdeen were due to play each other on SaturdayCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
The First Minister has called off Celtic’s game at St Mirren and also Aberdeen’s home clash with Hamilton tonight — as well as the Dons’ trip to Parkhead on Saturday.
It comes in the wake of Hoops star Boli Bolingoli’s secret trip to Spain where he returned to training without isolating and played as a sub against Kilmarnock – with the club now investigating the matter.
Eight Dons players were also spotted drinking in a bar linked to the Aberdeen coronavirus cluster, with two later testing positive.
The SPFL are set to thrash out new hard-hitting sanctions this week in a desperate attempt to crack down on players who flout Covid-19 rules – with punishments ranging from hefty fines to lengthy suspensions.
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Adrian Durham has called on the SPFL to punish both clubs with a point deductionCredit: James Lincoln
But talkSPORT host Durham insists Celtic and Aberdeen should be hit where it hurts most by deducting points.
He said: “This internal disciplinary thing has really angered me from Celtic.
“How can they say, ‘yes we’ll deal with it’ when they couldn’t even deal with their own player.
“Why don’t they just take his passport off him? Take passports off all the players and then no one is going to go abroad are they?
“They should have the point they won against Kilmarnock docked from them.
“The game they won against St Mirren has been postponed, so St Mirren should be awarded a 3-0 win.
“Aberdeen’s game against Hamilton has been postponed so Hamilton should get a 3-0 win.
“Celtic and Aberdeen on Saturday had to be postponed, both should be docked three points. That’s what should happen.”
Celtic and Aberdeen games should be CALLED OFF says Sturgeon as she issues ‘yellow card’ to clubs More
CELTIC star Boli Bolingoli has been fined almost £500 by cops after he broke strict quarantine rules on his return from a trip to Spain.
The Hoops defender failed to isolate after jetting out to Spain on Monday and returning Tuesday last week.
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Celtic star Bolingoli has been fined £480 for breaking quarantine rules after a trip to SpainCredit: PA:Press Association
The left-back then returned to training and came on as a sub in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Cops visited Bolingoli at his home in Glasgow.
Officers issued him with a fixed penalty notice of £480.
Officers also reminded him of the guidelines.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “A 25-year-old man has today been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for breaching quarantine regulations.
“The Chief Constable has made it consistently clear that we should all take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Celtic Bolingoli Covid fury
“Throughout the response to the pandemic, the majority of the public followed the law and Scottish Government advice and it’s really important that we all continue to do so.
“Our officers will continue to explain the legislation and guidance but, for the minority who may choose to breach the regulations and risk the health of others, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate.”
The footie ace was hammered by Parkhead chiefs in a scathing statement today after making the trip without telling the club.
Celts boss Neil Lennon said he was “livid” and “appalled” as he blasted his player for making the unauthorised trip on his days off despite being warned not to leave Glasgow.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that the SPFL is one breach away from being shown the red card and said she may be left with no choice but the halt the season.
It comes as eight Aberdeen players are also in self-isolation after two tested positive for the virus following a city centre night out.
Celtic’s next two matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen have now been postponed.
The decision was made after an emergency meeting between the Coronavirus Joint Response Group and Scottish Government ministers this morning.
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CELTIC’s next two games have been POSTPONED after defender Boli Bolingoli travelled to coronavirus-hit Spain without the club’s knowledge.
The Scottish Premiership games against St Mirren on Wednesday night and Saturday’s home game against Aberdeen will be delayed.
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Celtic star Boli Bolingoli could have put the whole of Scottish football at risk of Covid-19Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Following Bolingoli’s Spain trip, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that “we shouldn’t expect to see Celtic or Aberdeen play over the course of the coming week.”
And a further statement from the government confirmed that their next two games will not take place on the scheduled dates.
Sturgeon said at a press conference: “I don’t want the season to be in jeopardy.
“I don’t want people who are not responsible for this to pay the price but we have to be very clear that this situation is not acceptable.
“We’ll set out the conclusion of the talks later today but as a minimum, you should not expect to see Aberdeen or Celtic play over the course of the coming week.
“By putting this is as clearly as I can in language that the football world will understand, consider today the yellow card.
“The next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice.”
There have now been TWO breaches just weeks into the new season.
Bolingoli’s actions come just a week after two Aberdeen stars tested positive for the virus.
Six others were forced to quarantine for 14 days after visiting a pub after the Dons game against Rangers.
Aberdeen’s game against Hamilton tomorrow is also off.
Celtic say it is ‘difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action’ after Bolingoli travelled abroad.
The Hoops are livid with the full-back after he failed to inform them of his trip before failing to quarantine upon his return to Glasgow.
Bolingoli has apologised for his actions and the club say they will now apologise to every SPFL club and say the player will be disciplined.
It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation
Celtic Spokesperson
A statement read: “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 Scottish FA also put out a statement through their Joint Response Group.
It read: 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
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Nicola Sturgeon could even decide to suspend Scottish football after the Celtic star’s foolishnessCredit: AFP
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Unsurprisingly, Celtic have slammed the actions of their Belgian footballerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Furious first minister Nicola Sturgeon slams eight Aberdeen stars for ‘blatantly breaking rules’ and says they risk Scottish football’s return More
CELTIC ace Boli Bolingoli is under investigation by raging club chiefs after sneaking off on holiday to Spain in defiance of strict Covid-19 quarantine rules.
Bolingoli, 25, didn’t tell Hoops bosses he’d been to the high-risk country, failed to isolate when he returned — then played in Sunday’s game against Kilmarnock.
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Celts star Bolingoli is under investigation by the club after secret tripCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
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Celts defender trains after return from SpainCredit: SNS Group
The defender – who has since tested negative for the virus – said: “I have made a huge mistake. I want to apologise to my manager, my team mates, the supporters, everyone at Celtic and so many others for letting them down so badly.
“I am guilty of a major error of judgement. I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences.”
He came on as a sub in the 87th minute of Sunday’s draw away against Kilmarnock.
This could have seen him potentially infecting the Killie players and staff.
After learning of the trip raging Celtic bosses hauled him in for a heated meeting at Parkhead yesterday.
Celtic chiefs were said to be furious when they found out about Bolingoli’s blunder.
The club has now launched an internal probe.
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The football star took secret trip to Spain without the club’s knowledgeCredit: Alamy
A spokesman said: “Celtic Football Club has taken its response to Covid-19 extremely seriously and we are pleased that, to date, we have recorded no positive tests.
“Our staff have given so much in this area, working tirelessly to ensure that all players and other club personnel are safe, fully aware of their own responsibilities and familiar with all guidance and protocols.
“Safety must always be our priority.
“Clearly, a full investigation will now take place and the Club will take all appropriate action.
“Subsequent to the player’s return he has recorded two negative tests in the past week.”
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Bolingoli arrives at Rugby Park ahead of Kilmarnock clashCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
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Hoops ace on bench with team-mates against KillieCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
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The left-back came on as second half sub in Sunday’s drawCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
It’s understood the player immediately held his hands up to the error which is also sure to have further enraged Nicola Sturgeon.
Last week she blasted eight Aberdeen stars who breached the lockdown rules and visited a boozer on August 1.
They went to the Soul bar which was later linked to the city’s spike in coronavirus cases.
The players are all now self-isolating after two tested positive for Covid-19.
The First Minister said: “They blatantly broke the rules that had been agreed between the SFA, the SPFL, and the Scottish Government, which, to put it mildly, is completely unacceptable.
“Football has been given the go-ahead on the strict condition that clubs and players abide by the guidance that has been agreed.”
And she also hinted that a further breach could see her pull the plug the return of Scottish footie.
She said: “They put at risk the return of the professional game. To say this incident is deeply regrettable is an understatement.
“I’m pretty furious about this situation, because it shouldn’t have happened. If that guidance is not going to be adhered to then all bets are off.”
The Dons’ clash with St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday was postponed to avoid the virus potentially being spread to the city.
Lockdown measures have already been reintroduced in Aberdeen as the number of cases in the area grew.
Bolingoli’s gaffe comes just a week after Celtic carpeted striker Leigh Griffiths for breaching social distancing rules after throwing a party for his girlfriend.
But his manager Neil Lennon later said: “I’m not convinced it’s a big issue.”
Bolingoli joined the Hoops from Rapid Vienna in July 2019.
He made 28 appearances for the club last season.
Sunday was his first run out of the new term.
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CELTIC continue their Scottish Premier League season at Kilmarnock today. All eyes will be on Rugby Park this afternoon as the Bhoys look to make it two wins out of two. TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Football/ Main Event Kick-off: 4.30pm Follow ALL of the latest updates below… More
AN unnamed Aberdeen player has tested positive for coronavirus.
The result, which has been confirmed by an NHS test, leaves Saturday’s clash against St Johnstone in doubt.
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The latest batch of tests revealed one positive result from an Aberdeen playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lockdown restrictions have been in place in Aberdeen since Wednesday.
Pubs and restaurants have been closed after the number of new cases rocketed up to 79.
A travel ban is also set to be introduced, limiting recreational travel to within five miles of the city.
And the latest test results revealed one Aberdeen player has contracted the virus.
A spokesperson from the club said: “We have had a positive test but we are awaiting further guidance from Scottish government and the joint response group.”
Derek McInnes’s side have to wait to find out whether their clash against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park will go ahead.
It is only Aberdeen’s second game of the Scottish Premiership season.
McInnes’ men lost their opening match to Rangers 1-0 after a first half strike from Ryan Kent.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has admitted the coronavirus reproduction rate may have risen as high as one following a surge of cases in the city, as well an increase in Glasgow and Clyde.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I know that this is a real blow to the city and all of us regret that we’ve had to take this position, but I do believe that people understand why it is necessary.
“There are just too many uncertainties about this outbreak right now so we are not yet confident that we can keep it under control without these additional measures.”
She added: “We are very, very mindful of the close integral links between Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and therefore we are looking carefully at whether there is at any stage a case that can be made for extending the restrictions that currently apply in Aberdeen city to areas within Aberdeenshire.”
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