Nicola Sturgeon branded Boli Bolingoli’s behaviour “utterly unacceptable” after he played in his team’s game against Kilmarnock despite the requirement for anyone returning to the UK from Spain to quarantine for two weeks. The club has since launched an investigation into the matter and Bolingoli has apologised, but Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said that the Scottish Government has been left “with little choice” but to consider a pause on the sport north of the border. The First Minister has also warned of penalties to any footballers who do this.
Speaking at the daily briefing, Ms Sturgeon said: “When I stood here on Friday I think my frustration about the Aberdeen football club situation was pretty palpable.
“One of the things we decided to do as a result on that was dispatch Jason to talk to all of the managers and captains of our football clubs to reinforce the importance of the guidance that is put in place.
“While that meeting was taking place yesterday the news came through of the Celtic player who had decided to go to Spain, come home and not quarantine and play part of a match.
“In other words, fragrantly breach the guidelines. This is just not acceptable.
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“We’re asking members of the public to make huge sacrifices in how they live their lives and the vast majority are doing that and it’s not easy.
“We can’t have privileged football players just deciding that they’re not going to bother. This can’t go on.
“Let me say, I want to get to a situation where clubs and players live up to their responsibilities because I don’t want the price of this to be paid by fans and football players and clubs who have lived up to their responsibilities.”
She added: “By putting this as clearly as I can in language the football world will understand, consider today the yellow card, the next time it will be the red card because you leave us with absolutely no choice.”
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.
Spain was restored to the Scottish Government’s list of countries from which returning travellers must quarantine themselves for 14 days following a decision on July 25, which came into effect from midnight on July 26.
In a statement, the club 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.
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“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.”
The incident is the second time in the past week that players in the Scottish game have been chastised by members of the Scottish Government for not adhering to coronavirus guidance.
On Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “furious” with eight Aberdeen players who gathered together in a pub, following which two of the players tested positive for coronavirus and the group had to self-isolate.
