When Boli Bolingoli broke coronavirus rules he tested negative. Therefore, despite his irresponsibility, he did not put any players at risk. Celtic were not made aware of the incident until the story broke in the press – a story that the newspapers kept under wraps until Boli played against Kilmarnock (a disgrace). Upon hearing the news, Celtic acted swiftly and distanced the player from the squad, carrying out ongoing tests. Nevertheless, the Scottish Government imposed a two game ban on Celtic playing any domestic football. However, during the ban, Celtic were allowed to play against KR Reykjavik, which goes to show that the two game ban from domestic football was a punishment, not a health and safety concern. Celtic were also fined.
Similarly, Aberdeen were banned from playing in their next two matches, due to Covid breaches by some players, who attended a pub linked to a cluster of cases in the city. Those players were not with the rest of the squad, but Aberdeen still faced a ban and fine.
Now the news has broke that the Rangers have had two players in breach of Covid regulations, by attending a private house party. This is the Rangers’ second offence in quick succession, after the club was fined by UEFA for breaching coronavirus regulations ahead of the Europa League Play Off against Galatasaray. The Ibrox club also broke coronavirus testing protocols in pre-season, but got away with it. On that occasion, the authorities wrote to the Ibrox side asking for an explanation of why nine of their top-team squad featured in a B team clash against Dundee United without proper medical clearance. The Rangers claimed it was a misunderstanding of protocol and faced no punishment.
Three offences in as many months for the Rangers means that it is only fair to ban them for two games and hand them a fine. A precedent has been set. Celtic would benefit by catching up on the games in hand, but it’s also the fair thing to do. Over to you SFA and Nicola Sturgeon.
