THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT could move to suspend the Scottish game after the outcry as a result of the actions of Celtic’s Bolingoli and eight Aberdeen first players. The National Clinical Director Prof Leitch held a Zoom call with clubs to remind them of their responsibilities and to let them know how important it was that they follow the rules – with the season at risk if they do not.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, a spokesman for the Government said that they may need to consider pausing the season if there are continued breaches in the strict return to football protocols.
“The Scottish Government is aware of reports of a Celtic FC player having broken quarantine rules last week. We are currently in discussion with the club and football governing bodies to establish the facts.
“If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football, where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health, then the Scottish Government will have little choice but to consider whether a pause is now needed in the resumption of the game in Scotland.”
Leitch held a Zoom call with managers and captains of all 12 Premiership clubs and begged them to adhere to the stringent rules that are in place for public safety. Eight Aberdeen players are having to self isolate after contracting the virus on a night out in Aberdeen city centre last weekend whilst Bolingoli was in Spain during the week. The fact that these individuals behaved as so lets down the clubs that have worked tirelessly to get football back. Furthermore it is a slap in the face to supporters that wrote cheques for their season tickets in the hope that they would be able to take a match soon when highly-paid players can’t even follow the rules.
There were no cases of breaches in England – with play off matches, Championship and Premiership resumption. Why then are some finding it so difficult to follow the simple procedure of training and playing. If players want some days away, visit some locations around Scotland. If they want a meal, get a takeaway. Really it is not a lot to ask for when millions of people had to work through the pandemic whether that is a key worker or NHS staff. Players should know better and those that threaten to break the rules should be told that they have no place at the club.
