The Celtic Thread

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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.

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 today.

Celtic chiefs were said to be furious when they found out about Bolingoli’s blunder.

The club has now launched an internal probe.

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.”

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.

Edited by tonyjaa - 10 Aug 2020 at 10:01pm

sid waddell wrote: The league is on its way back to Ibrox, Celtic have started as they'll go on Rangers were much superior in head to heads last season and won't make the same mistakes they did then against other teams

I think the far right conspiracy theorist will agree with you 

Not the most ideal way to start the season!

Are the club saying they knew he was away, tested negative and they had no issue putting him in the squad? Surely they should have kept him out of the firing line and leave him out. Even by bringing him on for a few mins has made it worse. 

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

I imagine this would be a sackable offense considering the current situation ? Or would they be afraid to go down that line

You’d nearly have to laugh at the cliched response from him and indeed other footballers caught out over the last number of months. You could almost write their ‘apology’ yourself. 

Edited by Sham157 - 11 Aug 2020 at 5:55pm

Green Cockade wrote: It is a sackable offence but, like Grealish and others who got caught on, he will not be sacked for obvious economic reasons. Boli has been stupid beyond comprehension -did he really think nobody would notice ? If he is angling for a transfer out, Celtic may be keen to oblige but I can't see too many clubs queuing up to buy him right now.