Ange Postecoglou was asked about his thoughts on Leigh Griffiths after the news yesterday that the striker had been cleared of any criminality by Police Scotland following an investigation into the alleged online incidents that the player got embroiled in relating to messages apparently sent to two young girls. “You know how much time I have spent thinking about that? You’ve asked me and I’ve just thought about it.
“We’ll let it run its course and once it’s done and we get back up to Scotland then we’ll deal with it then. I’ve not spoken to him,” the Celtic manager said last night, as reported by Scottish Sun, after the costly goalless draw against a very physical Bristol City side.
Questions remain as to whether Celtic’s own investigation into these incidents will despite the Police decision, result in further action against the player who has now missed the summer pre-season camp for a second year. Celtic picked up a series of injuries last night, including a knock to Albian Ajeti, add to that the absence of Odsonne Edouard who hobbled off in the closing stages of the weekend win over Charlton Athletic, so Postecoglou is hardly spoiled for choice when it comes to striking options for the Champions League qualifier against Midtjylland on Tuesday night.
Before that Celtic will face Preston North End on early on Saturday evening at Celtic Park and will welcome back 2000 lucky supporters who were successful in last weekend’s ballot. They’ll get the chance to see Postecoglou’s side in action and it should start to resemble the team that is going to face the Danish side in the Champions league three days later. By that time Celtic hope to have 18k supporters in the stadium, with a decision from the Scottish Government to Dom McKay’s request expected today.
