Celtic to Play Hibernian Despite 13 of their Player in Self-isolation
Despite 13 first-team players being isolated due to coronavirus case, the Scottish Premiership management has concluded that Celtic and Hibernian game will still go on. It was gathered that the 13 players are their first-team players and they have been told to self-isolate.
The Scottish champions say Christopher Jullien was the player to test positive for Covid-19 on return from the club’s Dubai training camp. A local NHS health protection team has since deemed 13 other players to have contacts with the player.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon and assistant John Kennedy will also isolate which means they will not be in the game against Hibernian. All 15 members of the team which includes the two coaches and the 13 players will also be absent for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership trip to Livingston as well.
The Scottish defending champions stress that injured defender Jullien was the only positive case, saying they are “hugely disappointed” by the decision. But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged Celtic to “reflect seriously” on events that have led to the recent outbreak.
According to her, she said: “I know that what I’m about to say won’t please everyone, nothing I can say about football ever pleases everyone, but as I have said before, I do have doubts based on how the club itself described it, doubts about whether Celtics trip to Dubai was really essential.”
“I have doubts based on some pictures I have seen about whether adherence to bubble rules was strict enough.” Celtic have been facing a very difficult season and them now going to play without 13 of their regulars means their struggle will still continue.
