UEFA make Celtic decision following Bolingoli disaster

UEFA has made its decision on whether to allow Celtic the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Rounds.

Celtic are set to face KR Reykjavik in the first Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League next week. However, that was called into question late last night and today when Hoops left-back Boli Bolingoli was discovered to have traveled to Spain last week.

Manager Neil Lennon gave the squad four days off and reminded them of their responsibilities of being safe and following UK and Scottish guidelines regarding COVID-19. Despite the poor example eight Aberdeen players set last week, Bolingoli took it upon himself to break the rules.

The left-back traveled to Spain without telling the club and then returned and played in the match against Kilmarnock. His irresponsibility has now not only caused the postponement of the next two matches, but had also called into question whether or not UEFA would force the Hoops to forfeit.

As it turns out, UEFA does plan to go ahead and allow the match to continue, of course this is assuming that no players test positive in the coming days. Here is UEFA’s statement:

"“At this stage match is scheduled to take place as planned and we have no further comment to make.”"

As it stands, this is potentially one of the most devastating and destructive things a player has single-handedly done on their own as it relates to the club. Bolingoli has put not just the next few matches in jeopardy, or a possible punishment for the club, but has put the entire season and 10IAR at risk.

His selfishness and total lack of regard for his fellow teammates, coaches and the rest of the league should be dealt with in the most severe way. Football has just returned, we can’t let one player ruin it for the rest.