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    Celtic’s clashes vs St Mirren and Aberdeen DELAYED after ‘stupid’ Bolingoli breaks Covid rules for secret Spain trip

    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

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    Celtic star Boli Bolingoli broke strict quarantine rules with secret trip to Spain before playing against Kilmarnock

    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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    Aberdeen player tests positive for coronavirus throwing clash vs St Johnstone in doubt as Scottish rate spikes

    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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    Rangers clinch signing of ex-Leeds star Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht on a four-year deal for undisclosed fee

    RANGERS have signed ex-Leeds striker Kemar Roofe on a four-year deal from Anderlecht.
    The Ibrox side confirmed the signing on their website and social media channels for an undisclosed fee.

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    Rangers landed former Leeds striker Kemar Roofe on a four-year deal to bolster their attacking options
    SunSport told you in June how Steven Gerrard was ready to reignite his interest in the English hitman.
    And Gerrard – who missed out on Roofe when he moved from Elland Road to Anderlecht 12 months ago for £7million – is delighted to have sealed the deal.
    The Gers boss said: “Kemar is recognised throughout Europe as an intelligent attacker with an eye for goal. I look forward to working with him and recognise his potential to further progress our starting XI.
    “He has experienced the pressure and expectation at Leeds United and has played on the continent which will stand him in good stead for his time at Ibrox.”

    Roofe, 27, scored seven goals in 14 games during his solo season in Belgium but also struggled with injury.
    The Walsall-born frontman missed the start of the campaign with an ankle knock and then picked up a calf strain during a mid-winter friendly against Livingston in Spain.

    Early-season injuries to Jermain Defoe have left Gerrard’s side over-dependent on Alfredo Morelos, whose own future is a source of intrigue.
    Now Roofe is ready to hit the ground running at his new club.

    He said: “Rangers are a huge club, with ambition and I know this is the right fit for me to progress my career.
    “I am looking forward to experiencing Ibrox and am excited to play in Europe.”
    Roofe came through the academy at West Brom but did not make a single first-team appearance for the Baggies.

    Instead he headed out on loan to Vikingur Reykjavik, Northampton, Cheltenham, Colchester and Oxford, signing for the latter permanently in 2015.
    But after just one productive season at the Kassam, scoring 26 goals, Roofe joined Leeds.
    In his third season in Yorkshire, Roofe’s Leeds side collapsed in the second half of the season and then lost in the play-offs to miss out on promotion.

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    Roofe waves goodbye to Belgium after just one year at Anderlecht following his £7m switch from LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    RangersTV line-up revealed with Graeme Souness, Walter Smith and Clive Tyldesley among big names to leave fans delighted

    RANGERS have unveiled their club TV lineup for games behind closed doors which will be broadcast to fans – and supporters are delighted.
    The Light Blues host St Mirren on Sunday in their first home match of the season.

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    Walter Smith and Graeme Souness will make appearances on RangersTVCredit: Scottish News and Sport
    But fans won’t be inside Ibrox with season ticket holders only being able to watch their team through a virtual pass to Rangers TV.
    Now the club have confirmed a star-studded line-up with Walter Smith and Graeme Souness set for appearances.
    Legendary ITV pundit Clive Tyldesley will join Tom Miller in the commentary box and Neil McCann and Alex Rae will offer analysis.
    Scotland women’s boss Shelley Kerr will also be on the panel while injured defender Niko Katic will appear for Sunday’s clash with the Buddies.

    BT Sport’s Emma Dodds will present the show.
    Non-season ticket holders and away fans will be able to watch games at a pay-per-view cost of £9.99.

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    Legendary ITV pundit Clive Tyldesley will join Tom Miller in the commentary boxCredit: PA:Press Association
    Gers commercial director James Bisgrove said: “The RangersTV virtual match day experience aims to bring our loyal supporters as close as we possibly can to the live action at Ibrox.
    “We’re incredibly excited to welcome some of the greatest names in the clubs history, alongside the highest calibre of broadcast professionals to our new look RangersTV team.

    “In addition to the enhanced live coverage, Season Ticket Holders will also receive access to an exclusive match preview show and a ‘Lite’ digital copy of the Match Day programme.”

    The news was met with delight by Rangers fans, who quickly got the topic trending on Twitter:

    Souness and Walter on RTV 🤩🤩🤩 Clive Tyldesley too class work from the club 👏🏼
    — Shaun Dunsmore (@Shaun_Dunsmore) August 3, 2020

    Welcome to Rangers @CliveTyldesley! Huge news that you’ve joined our commentary team. Grew up listening to you when playing the likes of FIFA on the PlayStation 👏🇬🇧
    — kyle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧 (@kylelad94) August 3, 2020

    Brilliant to see @CliveTyldesley join Rangers TV. One of the best commentators in my life time, certainly my favourite. Passionate and knows his stuff.
    — Marxist Rangers (@MarxistRangers) August 3, 2020 More

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    Celtic star Odsonne Edouard has Premier League clubs on red alert with clinical hat-trick in Hamilton rout

    NEIL LENNON’S toughest task this season may not be clocking up an historic 10-in-a-row after all.
    It could be keeping his talismanic striker Odsonne Edouard from the clutches of the first ambitious Premier League club willing to make Celtic an offer they can’t refuse.

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    Odsonne Edouard proved his potential with an impressive hat-trickCredit: Reuters
    Head scouts from all of England’s big-hitters are already well aware of the 22-year-old French striker who scored 28 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions, before the Scottish league was prematurely called in March.
    Yesterday the former Paris Saint Germain academy kid carried on where he had left off, taking less than an hour to bag an opening day hat-trick to underline why Celtic value him at £40million.
    When Premier midfielders like Jack Grealish and James Maddison are valued at £80million, an out-and-out goal scoring machine like Edouard looks a real snip at around half the price.
    It now seems just a matter of time before someone nips across the border and takes the plunge to snap up the French Under-21 international.

    Poor Lennon wouldn’t have known whether to laugh or cry at the end as Edouard’s goals returned Celtic to their familiar perch at the top of the table.
    The downside was in doing so he sounded a klaxon horn – alerting every big-spending Premier club he is ready to parade his skills at a higher level.
    “He’s a special talent and he’s started the season brilliantly,” said Lennon.
    “He’s got so much to his game but what has pleased me over the last 12-15 months is the amount of goals he’s scoring. Really important goals and all different types of goals. The first goal is a real strikers’ goal and I love those.”

    Brian Rice’s Hamilton – average age 22 – battled bravely and never ran up the white flag on the day Celtic unfurled their ninth SPFL championship flag.

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    Odsonne Edouard was the star of the show during the win over HamiltonCredit: Getty – Pool
    But like most of Scotland’s lesser clubs they had no answer to the 6ft 2” French striker’s pace, power and finishing prowess.
    The visitors threatened to nick a shock opener when David Moya headed wide with the Celtic goal at his mercy.
    Edouard then ruthlessly showed how it should be done when he then tucked away a teasing low cross from left-back Greg Taylor to open his account for the season.
    Lennon’s side swiftly doubled their lead when Taylor provided an identical delivery for right-back Jeremie Frimpong to finish off.
    And though Scott Martin pulled one back for Hamilton before the break – with a shot which took a double-deflection off Callum McGregor and Christopher Julien – Edouard struck again within three minutes of the restart to kill off their faint hopes.
    The French striker went home with the matchball after goalie Ryan Fulton parried Callum McGregor’s shot and Edouard slammed home the rebound to complete his second Celtic hat-trick.
    Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said: “He (Edouard) was magnificent today.
    “He’s a terrific footballer, a really good footballer and it’s important Celtic hold on to him.

    “He must be the best they’ve had post Larsson and Hartson. There’s so much to his game. He has the ability to hold the ball up but he also has the strength, the power, he looks as if he has everything.”
    New signing Patryk Klimala replaced Eduoard with four minutes remaining and the 22-year-old Pole made it 5-1 with his first competitive goal for the Glasgow giants.
    At least Lennon might have unearthed a ready-made replacement – when the inevitable happens!

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    Celtic vs Hamilton LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for Scottish Premiership opener

    CELTIC begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title with a home clash against Hamilton.
    Neil Lennon’s side are chasing a TENTH consecutive league crown and watched Old Firm rivals Rangers begin their campaign with a narrow win at Aberdeen yesterday.
    Kick-off: 4.30pm
    TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Football
    If you’re not a Sky subscriber grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

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