Celtic have defended their decision to make the trip
Celtic are due to find out on Monday if the self-isolation guidelines for travellers from Dubai are applied to the club following their first team’s recent trip to the UAE state.
Since January 3, people arriving in Scotland from Dubai have been asked to undertake 10 days of self-isolation. Celtic only arrived back in Glasgow on Friday, with one of their players testing positive for Covid-19 since returning.
The Scottish government will make a decision later on whether Neil Lennon’s side should follow the same guidance, with the club hoping to escape on the grounds of ‘elite sports’ exemption. Should they not, Monday night’s meeting with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership will be plunged into instant uncertainty.
The club are struggling to keep pace with Glasgow rivals, Rangers, in the title race, with Steven Gerrard’s side moving 22 points clear with their win over Aberdeen on Sunday.
A spokesperson for the Scottish government said in a statement: “We are aware there has been a positive case of coronavirus within Celtic FC. Scottish Government clinicians and the GGC Health protection Team are in contact with Celtic providing advice on next steps.”
This follows a warning from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who questioned the purpose of Celtic’s visit to Dubai, adding that professional sport’s privileges could be lost if protocols were not followed by those involved.
The Scottish champions have since defended the trip, stating on Twitter that they would not have travelled had they not received prior approval from the government.
