Coronavirus: Scottish football could be paused after Celtic star Boli Bolingoli’s breach of quarantine rules

Talks are set to take place between the Scottish Government and footballing authorities after Celtic star Boli Bolingoli’s breach of coronavirus protocols.

There are fears the game’s resumption in Scotland could be paused as a result of the incident, which saw the left-back take part in a game against Kilmarnock despite taking a secret trip to Spain and failing to quarantine for 14 days on return.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said that the Scottish Government has been left “with little choice” but to consider calling a temporary halt on the sport north of the border.

He wrote on Twitter: “Utterly unacceptable from Bolingoli. With a number of incidents, Scot Govt left with little choice but to consider whether pause is now needed in resumption of the game.

“Operational matter for Border Force & Police Scot, I support whatever enforcement action they deem necessary.”

Celtic apologised for their player’s behaviour in a statement, and said that he would face disciplinary action.

A statement on the club’s website said: “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.”

Bolingoli’s transgression follows eight Aberdeen players having to self-isolate following a night out in a bar which broke lockdown rules, with two of the players testing positive for Covid-19.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was also reminded of his responsibilities by manager Neil Lennon. Social media images from a birthday party he organised for his girlfriend showed friends in breach of guidelines.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Scottish football’s privileges to play during the safety restrictions would be put at risk if such situations arose.

All 12 Premiership managers and captains held talks with Scottish Government officials on Monday evening where they were reminded of their responsibilities over protocols particular to football and also the general public.

Scotland’s national clinical director, Jason Leitch, later stated that Aberdeen’s home game against Hamilton on Wednesday was not certain to go ahead given the spike of cases in the city.

Bolingoli apologised for his actions, saying he had let his manager, team-mates and supporters down.

He added: “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.”

An earlier statement from Celtic read: “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.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “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.”