Celtic travelled to Dubai immediately after losing to Rangers at Ibrox
Alex Rae has empathised with the frustration felt by Celtic fans regarding the club’s controversial trip to Dubai.
In a move that has prompted comment from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, players and staff travelled to the UAE for a training camp on Saturday night.
With non-essential travel in and out of Scotland not currently an option for the vast majority of people due to the new coronavirus strain, some have accused Celtic of acting questionably during a pandemic.
There has also been criticism from supporters that heading off to sunny climes immediately after a significant defeat against your major rivals is not a great look.
That theme was apparent on Monday’s edition of Radio Clyde’s Superscoreboard, on which caller Declan from Glasgow contrasted the different approaches of Rangers and Celtic by saying: “There’s a team in Glasgow, right, training for a fixture at the weekend.
“Practicing set-pieces, practicing their fitness, practicing their drills, and there’s a team lying in Dubai round a pool 19 points behind getting their hair braided aff a Shane Duffy.
“It’s unacceptable. We’ve all seen the pictures, let’s not lie about it.”
Host Gordon Duncan suggested Celtic’s trip might “leave a bitter taste in the mouths” of fans who have watched their team fall 19 points behind in the title race.
Former Rangers midfielder Rae replied: “Especially when a lot of people can’t go and see their family members. They’re paying a lot of money to get a virtual season ticket as well, and then watching their team lose in the manner in which they’re losing, not specifically the first hour at the weekend. There’s a real frustration.
“I think Declan hits on a point because he was talking there about what Rangers are doing as opposed to what Celtic are doing.
“Celtic are conceding goals from set-plays at an alarming rate, and there doesn’t seem to be any improvement in that area, hence the reason why you get people coming on this show saying ‘What are the coaching staff doing?’, whether it be the manager, John Kennedy, (Gavin) Strachan.
“For me, that has to get addressed, because there’s a real nervousness. When the ball comes into their box, they’re so vulnerable.”
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