Celtic blast Bolingoli's 'stupidity' after quarantine breach

Celtic have condemned the “stupidity” of Boli Bolingoli’s behaviour after the player breached coronavirus quarantine rules.

The Scottish Government said football risked being paused after the defender travelled to Spain but failed to self-isolate for 14 days on his return.

Bolingoli didn’t tell the club about his trip and then featured as a substitute in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The club and the player himself have apologised. Celtic described Bolingoli’s behaviour as “irresponsible” and “beyond explanation”, confirming their plans to take internal disciplinary action.

A statement 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.”

They added: “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 joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna last summer, but has failed to cement a first-team place at left-back.

The player 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.”

The breach comes after two Aberdeen players tested positive for Covid-19 – and a further six having to self-isolate due to close contact – following a visit to a bar in the city last Saturday.

The First Minister said the group “blatantly broke the rules” agreed by the Scottish FA, SPFL and Scottish Government.

Sam Cosgrove, Scott McKenna, Craig Bryson, Jonny Hayes, Bruce Anderson, Dylan McGeouch, Michael Devlin and Matty Kennedy, said they made a “huge error of judgement” in a statement.