Celtic have attracted flak for jetting off during a pandemic
It’s safe to say that Celtic’s trip to Dubai has not been a great exercise on the PR front.
Many fans were unimpressed as the players and backroom staff headed for warmer climes immediately after falling 19 points behind Rangers in the title race.
That’s to say nothing of taking a non-essential journey one day before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tighter restrictions amid a pandemic.
As reported by Record Sport, a Scottish Government spokesperson has asked the SFA to look into Celtic’s trip, adding: “While there are travel exemptions in place for elite sports which are designed to facilitate international and European competition, if we feel they are being abused we won’t hesitate to remove this privilege.”
Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs, however, has moved to defend the club as they face negative publicity.
Stubbs, who made 139 appearances for Celtic, insists the players will be acting professionally during their time in the UAE.
Speaking to Record Sport, he said: “There’s so much different nowadays with social media. You wouldn’t get away with it now, with camera phones and people quick to catch you out. The culture has changed as well.
“The winter break is more about going away to train intensively and work on a few things without having to worry about the
bad weather.
“The actual break was brought in not just because games could get called off, it’s about giving players a rest because of the intensity of the season.
“It’s far more professional, there will be testing going on, fitness analysis and rehabilitation programmes.
Yes, some rest will be important but there’s so much sport science that goes into it now.
“The players will need to have some down time, especially at the start of the week, as they are not robots.
“But I’ve got no doubt this will be a serious week for Celtic. There’s been so many games crammed in to the first half of the season, there’s been Europe and a lot of the squad are internationals.
“Neil (Lennon) won’t have had much time to work with them on the training ground either. I think this will be the first week without a midweek game for months.
“A few of them will be struggling and this might be the chance to recharge the batteries.
“I understand why eyebrows might be raised. It’s a tricky time all over the world with what’s going on with the pandemic.
“I’m sure even some of the players might be nervous about travelling through airports and into a different environment. But this will be planned meticulously by the club. There will also be a lot of scrutiny on them.
“I’m sure Neil will have reminded his players they cannot afford to step out of line in any way whatsoever because the league and the politicians will be waiting to throw the book at them.”
Lennon’s side return to Premiership action on Monday night when they play host to Hibs.
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