Celtic got what they deserved at Rugby Park yesterday. An inspired early goal by Ryan Christie limited the damage to two dropped points but that aside, Kilmarnock coped easily with everything Celtic could muster. After being caught out by Christie, Danny Rogers in the Killie goal did not have a save to make for the rest of the game. Who would have thought?
Post-match, Neil Lennon referred to Christopher Jullien’s slow start to last season. After a poor performance at Fir Park he was dropped for the infamous defeat to Cluj at Celtic Park. Chris got better then and he will do so again, but he lost Nicke Kabamba in dangerous positions three times in the first half.
He does not have problems with big stirkers, as was alleged on TV commentary; the significance of that goal by Lyndon Dykes at Livingston could not be more overstated. But he is a big lad who clearly needs a better preseason.
Crossing was poor, control cumbersome and the physical battle was often too much. The lack of physicality is a concern; we are small and light in several areas. One of the hottest strikers in Europe spent much of the game a spectator, despite our most valued creatives playing. It really was a team dropping points together.
The manager changed the shape of the team on 65 minutes but to no effect. Olivier Ntcham had the last 10 minutes but by then Killie were settled and Celtic, increasingly desperate. You know me and Olivier, I would have introduced him earlier. Or, had him on from the start.
Neil has dropped points at Rugby Park before and he knows how to build a response. No one was “thrown under the bus”, as he said later. Until then, we have to live like others, not at the top of the table, for a change.
We are going to face a lot of packed defences this season and play on a few plastic pitches. There can be no complaints, let’s just get better at overcoming both.
Given a choice of winning yesterday, or facing two away draws in Champions League qualification, I would take the draw with Killie and home times against Reykjavik, then either Ferencvaros or Djurdargens, the prospect we face after different types of draws yesterday and today.
Home ties until we are well into our season is a huge bonus. There is still work to do, but the prospect of a Lincoln Red Imps rerun is receding. Wish we could attend these games.
Sweden is Europe’s Covid herd immunity test case and the test has not gone well. It remains to be seen what travel restrictions visitors from Sweden are in place when the second round takes place on 15 and 26 August.
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ERNIE LYNCH on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
Well, its not normal circumstances now of course. But before the news broke last night about his trip many still hoped he could be a player for us. I had high hopes for him after we won at Ibrox last season when I thought his pressing in particular was pivotal to our win in a high pressure match.
All bets off now of course.
HH
DAVID17 on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
‘Boli thrown to the wolves and rightly so. Haven’t seen the same energy for Griffiths. Why does he get a pass time and time again? Is it casual racism, or are folk so blinded by hate that his scarf trying Rangers hating antics cloud judgement. Get shot of both.’
###
Their respective breaches are not analogous and are of a different order of magnitude.
You could conceivably have a few close family members visit you at home without breaching the rules.
Flying to Spain, not self isolating on your return, and apparently not telling anyone what you’d done, not so much.
BACK TO BASICS – GLASS HALF FULL
“My information” is Ralph Malph on etims knows nothing about what goes on at Celtic Park.
Aye probably true , which is why they give the caveat ” a pish stained source ” most of the time .
Where do you get your information , asking for a friend .😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜
The above is not a slight on anyone but a light hearted attempt to make someone smile ,in what is a ridiculous situation we find our club in …Up the hoops
DAVID17,
Did Leigh Griffiths used to steal your dinner money when you were at school or p!ss in your shoes? You definitely have an agenda when it comes to him. You’ve been on his case for as long as I can remember well before Covid-19 reared it’s hunlike head.
ROLLING_STONE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:03 AM
@ SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:46 AM
Agree with your sentiment. But what was the decision?
It was to play him at the weekend when the club were aware of the breach but the public weren’t. Again, desperate times etc
======
Is this 100%, that we found out before the Killie game?
HH
Views on Bolingoli’s punishment are influenced by views on the players abilities.
“Get Rid” is the knee jerk reaction…..it was also my first thought.
A quick test of this premise is to ask what punishment you would advocate if the transgressor was Edouard , McGregor or Scott Brown or your current favourite.
Before posting we should replace Bolingoli’s name with Edouard, McGregor or Broonie.. re-read the comment and ask would we still press the POST COMMENT button.. …
.. or would we suggest a lesser punishment.
The Onlooker
TBB- thanks for reply
The Onlooker
Someone posted earlier that he would be saying the same thing were Edouard the culprit. I felt that was a good way of addressing the issue.
Forgive always. Time iis…?.. impossible to Rhyme with SHORT.
I like ma, hip hop Music too.
Siempre
“The champions were not made aware of the 25-year-old’s trip until after the game at Rugby Park where the player had come on near the end for Greg Taylor.
Bolingoli, who cost £3million when he arrived from Vienna Rapid last summer, went on holiday in secret and failed to self-isolate on his return.”
From another CQN article.
THE ONLOOKER,
Nobody is too big to fall. His actions not only put the league in jeopardy but could quite conceivably have us turfed out of Europe before a ball is kicked. UEFA have made it quite clear that they will kick teams out of the competition who cannot manage to play in a designated safe zone.
ERNIE LYNCH on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:46 AM
ROLLING_STONE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:36 AM
No way Boli gets binned for this. The club aren’t getting rid of an asset they paid £3m for only 12 months ago.
……………….
When does an “Asset” fail to be an “Asset”….When he is sitting at home alone and not allowed anywhere near Celtic Park ?
Boli is no longer an “Asset” to Celtic FC, caused by his own stupidity and selfish behaviour.
If I was a team mate of his…I would be raging with him for putting MY Health and my familys health at risk.
Boli has destroyed any trust and morale at the club…he has none else to blame but himself.
Boli doesnt need to care about what I may say about him…as I am sure that his Employers will be asking many questions, not forgetting how the SMSM will be treating him from now on.
He could be sacked Today…and fecks off abroad again to get away from his employer and the Media in Scotland…hes feckin lucky…he can afford to do that.
HH
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:16 AM
The Onlooker
Someone posted earlier that he would be saying the same thing were Edouard the culprit. I felt that was a good way of addressing the issue.
—-
No but at the moment we can continue to attribute to the fact that Eddie has a brain and a correct moral compass.
If we ran a ‘who would put us in trouble’ sweepstake, Griff and Boli would have featured very highly in the odds.
Celtic Football Club Statement
By: Newsroom Staff on 11 Aug, 2020 11:11
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.
Since the Covid -19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.
We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area.
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.
https://twitter.com/celticfc/status/1293129321088004098?s=21
Good statement from the club.
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:18 AM
That was my understanding too, thanks
HH
http://www.celticfc.net/news/18417
Take a wee knee for the Unborn,.
My friends in Celtic,
I’m gutted and I fear drastic repercussions.however let’s wait for the detail.
Previous comparison with someone such as Odsonne Edouard is very valid.
Would or could the club sack an “asset” worth circa 30% of the on paper value of the club. ?
HH to all.
Cheer up Pedro.
“Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf described the player’s actions as “utterly unacceptable.”
The government is in talks with the club and Scottish football authorities to establish the facts before deciding on a course of action.” BBC.
The Club`s strong statement might help in those talks.
I would imagine any “normal” worker returning from Spain without informing their employer of their journey and also failing to quarantine during this pandemic on their return would be sacked for gross misconduct.
It doesnt matter to me who the Celtic player is..Boli or big Eddy etc who was guilty…..
What IF St Johnstone had been awarded the 3 points from last week when the game v Aberdeen was called off …and OUR next game was to be against the Huns tomorrow night, which is then also called off by the SPFL and/or the Govt due to Bolis actions… and Sevco were awarded the 3 points…
How many Celtic fans would have any sympathy for Boli or ANY other Celtic player who had caused that postponment ?
HH
Greenpinata,
`Previous comparison with someone such as Odsonne Edouard is very valid.`
Why is it valid to compare something that HAS happened with something that HASN`T happened?
Don’t know if the statement goes far enough, to convince wee Nicola not to pull the plug…
Did Boli suddenly “come clean” after the Kilmarnock game as noone at Celtic had any idea about his trip abroad…if so…what made him suddenly “come clean” ?
He owes everyone an explanation…?
HH
@ TIMALOY29 on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:37 AM
Your comments on Copenhagen also highlights why we should aspire to better things in Europe.
Copenhagen had a poorer team man for man than us but managed to reach the last 16 and took Man U to extra time and were done by a ridiculous penalty decision.
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SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:10 AM
ERNIE LYNCH on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
Well, its not normal circumstances now of course. But before the news broke last night about his trip many still hoped he could be a player for us. I had high hopes for him after we won at Ibrox last season when I thought his pressing in particular was pivotal to our win in a high pressure match.
All bets off now of course.
HH
ERNIE LYNCH on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:10 AM
DAVID17 on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
‘Boli thrown to the wolves and rightly so. Haven’t seen the same energy for Griffiths. Why does he get a pass time and time again? Is it casual racism, or are folk so blinded by hate that his scarf trying Rangers hating antics cloud judgement. Get shot of both.’
###
Their respective breaches are not analogous and are of a different order of magnitude.
You could conceivably have a few close family members visit you at home without breaching the rules.
Flying to Spain, not self isolating on your return, and apparently not telling anyone what you’d done, not so much.
BOGNORBHOY on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:10 AM
BACK TO BASICS – GLASS HALF FULL
“My information” is Ralph Malph on etims knows nothing about what goes on at Celtic Park.
Aye probably true , which is why they give the caveat ” a pish stained source ” most of the time .
Where do you get your information , asking for a friend .😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜
The above is not a slight on anyone but a light hearted attempt to make someone smile ,in what is a ridiculous situation we find our club in …Up the hoops
PÓGMATHONYAHUN AKA LAIRD OF THE SMILES on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:13 AM
DAVID17,
Did Leigh Griffiths used to steal your dinner money when you were at school or p!ss in your shoes? You definitely have an agenda when it comes to him. You’ve been on his case for as long as I can remember well before Covid-19 reared it’s hunlike head.
SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:13 AM
ROLLING_STONE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:03 AM
@ SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:46 AM
Agree with your sentiment. But what was the decision?
It was to play him at the weekend when the club were aware of the breach but the public weren’t. Again, desperate times etc
======
Is this 100%, that we found out before the Killie game?
HH
THE ONLOOKER on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:13 AM
Views on Bolingoli’s punishment are influenced by views on the players abilities.
“Get Rid” is the knee jerk reaction…..it was also my first thought.
A quick test of this premise is to ask what punishment you would advocate if the transgressor was Edouard , McGregor or Scott Brown or your current favourite.
Before posting we should replace Bolingoli’s name with Edouard, McGregor or Broonie.. re-read the comment and ask would we still press the POST COMMENT button.. …
.. or would we suggest a lesser punishment.
The Onlooker
!!BADA BING!! on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:15 AM
TBB- thanks for reply
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:16 AM
The Onlooker
Someone posted earlier that he would be saying the same thing were Edouard the culprit. I felt that was a good way of addressing the issue.
PETEC on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:16 AM
Forgive always. Time iis…?.. impossible to Rhyme with SHORT.
I like ma, hip hop Music too.
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:18 AM
Siempre
“The champions were not made aware of the 25-year-old’s trip until after the game at Rugby Park where the player had come on near the end for Greg Taylor.
Bolingoli, who cost £3million when he arrived from Vienna Rapid last summer, went on holiday in secret and failed to self-isolate on his return.”
From another CQN article.
PÓGMATHONYAHUN AKA LAIRD OF THE SMILES on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:18 AM
THE ONLOOKER,
Nobody is too big to fall. His actions not only put the league in jeopardy but could quite conceivably have us turfed out of Europe before a ball is kicked. UEFA have made it quite clear that they will kick teams out of the competition who cannot manage to play in a designated safe zone.
BIG JIMMY on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:20 AM
ERNIE LYNCH on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:55 AM
SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:46 AM
ROLLING_STONE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 10:36 AM
No way Boli gets binned for this. The club aren’t getting rid of an asset they paid £3m for only 12 months ago.
……………….
When does an “Asset” fail to be an “Asset”….When he is sitting at home alone and not allowed anywhere near Celtic Park ?
Boli is no longer an “Asset” to Celtic FC, caused by his own stupidity and selfish behaviour.
If I was a team mate of his…I would be raging with him for putting MY Health and my familys health at risk.
Boli has destroyed any trust and morale at the club…he has none else to blame but himself.
Boli doesnt need to care about what I may say about him…as I am sure that his Employers will be asking many questions, not forgetting how the SMSM will be treating him from now on.
He could be sacked Today…and fecks off abroad again to get away from his employer and the Media in Scotland…hes feckin lucky…he can afford to do that.
HH
BIG WAVY on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:20 AM
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:16 AM
The Onlooker
Someone posted earlier that he would be saying the same thing were Edouard the culprit. I felt that was a good way of addressing the issue.
—-
No but at the moment we can continue to attribute to the fact that Eddie has a brain and a correct moral compass.
If we ran a ‘who would put us in trouble’ sweepstake, Griff and Boli would have featured very highly in the odds.
EMBRAMIKE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:21 AM
Celtic Football Club Statement
By: Newsroom Staff on 11 Aug, 2020 11:11
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.
Since the Covid -19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.
We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area.
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.
SOUTHSIDE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:22 AM
https://twitter.com/celticfc/status/1293129321088004098?s=21
BIG WAVY on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:22 AM
Good statement from the club.
SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:23 AM
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:18 AM
That was my understanding too, thanks
HH
!!BADA BING!! on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:24 AM
http://www.celticfc.net/news/18417
PETEC on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:24 AM
Take a wee knee for the Unborn,.
GREENPINATA on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:25 AM
My friends in Celtic,
I’m gutted and I fear drastic repercussions.however let’s wait for the detail.
Previous comparison with someone such as Odsonne Edouard is very valid.
Would or could the club sack an “asset” worth circa 30% of the on paper value of the club. ?
HH to all.
PETEC on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:25 AM
Cheer up Pedro.
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:26 AM
“Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf described the player’s actions as “utterly unacceptable.”
The government is in talks with the club and Scottish football authorities to establish the facts before deciding on a course of action.” BBC.
The Club`s strong statement might help in those talks.
THE HAND OF GOD on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:29 AM
I would imagine any “normal” worker returning from Spain without informing their employer of their journey and also failing to quarantine during this pandemic on their return would be sacked for gross misconduct.
BIG JIMMY on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:29 AM
It doesnt matter to me who the Celtic player is..Boli or big Eddy etc who was guilty…..
What IF St Johnstone had been awarded the 3 points from last week when the game v Aberdeen was called off …and OUR next game was to be against the Huns tomorrow night, which is then also called off by the SPFL and/or the Govt due to Bolis actions… and Sevco were awarded the 3 points…
How many Celtic fans would have any sympathy for Boli or ANY other Celtic player who had caused that postponment ?
HH
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:29 AM
Greenpinata,
`Previous comparison with someone such as Odsonne Edouard is very valid.`
Why is it valid to compare something that HAS happened with something that HASN`T happened?
—————
Purely because it was a topic of conversation on the blog.
Cheers and HH.
HOT SMOKED on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:26 AM
“Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf described the player’s actions as “utterly unacceptable.”
###
Whereas opening pubs is OK.
Apologies to the blog for the mad copy thing.
Make NO mistake…the Scottish Govt and the Hun SMSM will be asking more awkward questions of Boli and Celtic FC than I have so far.
What a feckin mess…and especially when ALL of our focus should be on the pitch. It wouldnt surprise me if most if not every Celtic player is raging with Boli ?
HH
!!BADA BING!! on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:33 AM
Don’t know if the statement goes far enough, to convince wee Nicola not to pull the plug…
=====
If anything I’d expect a pause as a warning shot, best we can expect is another round of strongly worded statements. What may save the plug being pulled is that he travelled alone but an example may have to be made. Wtf was he thinking?
HH
Club statement eviscerates Boli.
At least say he’s suspended…..
ROLLING_STONE on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:35 AM
Your comments on Copenhagen also highlights why we should aspire to better things in Europe.
Copenhagen had a poorer team man for man than us but managed to reach the last 16 and took Man U to extra time and were done by a ridiculous penalty decision.
____
To an extent.
I don’t think it means we can have sustained success. As opposed to a good run.
SIEMPRE CELTIC (FORMERLY TRADITIONALIST88) on 11TH AUGUST 2020 11:13 AM
I thought the testing x2 was in reference to the knowledge pre game. Maybe that was post-game.
As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.
——————————-
Didye aye?