Celtic have recently returned from a controversial trip to Dubai
Professor Devi Sridhar has become the latest high-profile figure to criticise Celtic’s trip to Dubai, following confirmation that one of the club’s players has tested positive for Covid-19.
The club’s trip has been the subject of intense scrutiny since they flew out last weekend, following their 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox.
Many fans and pundits were uneasy with the club’s decision to travel to Dubai at the height of a pandemic. With no winter shutdown this season, Celtic were the only Scottish club to travel abroad for a training camp.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney both expressed concern, with reporter Raman Bhardwaj quoting the First Minister as saying: “I’ve seen some photographs…that would raise a question in my mind about whether all the rules of what elite players have to do within their bubbles around social distancing are being complied with…so I think there are things that should be looked into.”
On Sunday afternoon, Celtic released a statement on Twitter confirming that one player had tested positive.
The statement read: “Celtic today confirmed that one player has recorded a positive test for covid-19. Clearly the player will receive all our care and full support.
“All other members of our squad, management team and backroom squad are negative.”
Professor Sridhar, who is an adviser to the Scottish Government, responded to the news by tweeting: “How can we get numbers down if people keep returning from trips abroad to COVID hotspots like Dubai?
“This is a reserved power to U.K. govt. They are undermining all local efforts to suppress bc they’re not putting in place any real travel restrictions.”
Celtic are due to continue their Premiership campaign on Monday night when they welcome Hibs to Glasgow.
Neil Lennon’s men are currently 22 points behind in the title race after an Alfredo Morelos double gave Rangers a 2-1 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
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