So far, it is clear that Covid hygiene rules were not followed at St Mirren, where seven non-playing staff tested positive for the virus. Additionally, the SFA have launched an investigation into allegations Newco fielded nine players against Dundee United on Wednesday without receiving the required negative test results.
The anomaly came to light because Newco arranged two games on Wednesday. Motherwell, their opponents in the second game, had their results delayed by the same testing backlog. This brought attention to the fact that neither club received the all-clear until Wednesday evening, several hours after the Newco-Dundee United game.
There are significant health and commercial risks at play here. The seven staff at St Mirren could easily (and may have) infect the playing staff. If St Mirren then played a game, the virus would almost certainly infect not only the rest of the team but their opponents. Games involving these teams would be postponed for weeks, perhaps months. Dozens of carriers would travel home from that game and Scotland would have a fresh wave to worry about.
The SFA Joint Response Group reached a deal with the Scottish Government on how and when to return to training and then games, all predicated on safety rules being adhered to. Celtic, and others, have transformed their stadiums into an environment where socially distanced spectators can attend safely and be seen to do so.
They want fans back soon and wait on Government clearance. That possibility disappeared yesterday, when allegations emerged that one club has been cheating. Football is as trustworthy as its greatest rogue. I doubt the SFA considered how to discipline a club that flaunts Covid rules and risks the entire game in this country. No fine would be large enough to match the financial consequences for others.
There is no infection at Ibrox, the pain of any breach there will be felt by fans of all clubs not attending fixtures until later. St Mirren were less negligent but their issue is more serious and spooked me. If this happened in my workplace, when most others have returned to work, it could threaten the entire business. We are going to move into a stage when most of the world is getting on with things, and some businesses will be halted by infection, acute illness and worse.
I have spoken to staff at Celtic who have been impressed at the processes in place to protect club employees from infection, from everything I hear, we are getting things right. The evidence elsewhere is that others are complacent. If that is allowed to continue, next season and the health of many is in jeopardy.
You have to wonder what’s in the water at Ibrox with the incessant flouting of rules.
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1-0 deflection off Taylor cross
St’s good move for Bayo, give him a run and let’s us see what he can do.
I see Lille are interested in the toad, they want 20m for him, more like 8/10 with add ons if they are lucky, he will be hard to replace for them and no doubt the next guy they sign will be a super star.
Today and tomorrow will let Neil know exactly where we are in terms of squad, keeper is a must and if Bayo is off and no sign of Leigh again tomorrow the there might be some truth in the Toney stories.
Mon The Hoops,
Nice day for a run out at Paradise,
HH
KLV
Touched my mouse hovering over the screen by mistake, game froze then Error Message appeared. No game now. Tried using the ‘Contact Us’ form but won’t send. Great start. Is this how it’s going to be? Anyone else with issues? (WARNING: DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!!!)
My link has been good but I logged in early before the match coverage started
I think game is on YouTube
!!BADA BING!! on 26TH JULY 2020 1:21 PM
I think game is on YouTube
Yup. Game on YouTube but commentary sound awful
taken down from youtube, :(
KLV
I don’t know what to worry about most GINGER and his bro falling oot or MORE OR LESS leaving.
PS Anyone know how much he wants for his motor.
Shocking tackle on Taylor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D92clOKH72Y&feature=push-lsb&attr_tag=__JByMU6ZzSOWFe1%3A6
Eduard doesn’t seem to be up to speed so far. That tackle on Taylor was a shocker in any game but in a friendly???
I see Taylor is now going to be subbed. Sensible.
Kerr McInroy on for Taylor- 3 minutes of first half left
2:0 at half time- As big a gulf as there was between Celtic and PSG
.
Log in ok and link 4 working with no issues.
Was the old Celtic TV a minute behind real time in its coverage?
lovely pass from Forrest to Christie- should have been 3
Phil Mc blog says
€6mil up front for Fat Charlie with 15% sell on.
Chris Julien with a spectacular volley- messed it a bit
Jamesie now imitates Chris Julien
McGregor misses a good chance- wee James is on form today- nobody’s scapegoat of the match
Bad mistake from Jeremie- bur Ross mess up a good chance
Looks like Dembele warming up- could be brought on to give us our smallest ever right side since Bobby Collins and…
wee James down injured now- bring on Dembele
Scott Bain makes two smart saves from long range shots
Eddie misses a sitter
Scott Bain very busy and playing well.
Celtic seem mesmerized by all their fluorescent boots.
Eddy should have been up with play there
Finishes 2:0- we were very dominant. Elyanoussi/Taylor started the rout and Frimpong/Forrest finished it. Fairly profligate with chances and Eddy needs to stop playing for himself
2 0 full time.
What did we learn from that ? OK, bringing our fitness levels up, but personally I prefer high profile friendlies like PSG.
HH.
Forrest MOTM- who’s with me? :-)
Seems Forster been told he’s surplus to requirements
Griffiths in squad for tomorrow, Neil said he’s in good shape
Test