Celtic finally learn their punishment for Bolingoli scandal

Celtic have finally learned their punishment for the Bolingoli scandal earlier in the season when the Belgian travelled to Spain without permission.

Aberdeen were found in violation of league protocols after eight players were found having had a night out, requiring self-isolation after two players tested positive for COVID-19. Celtic on the other hand were found in violation due to the now loaned-out full-back Boli Bolingoli, who played in a match against Kilmarnock after an ill-fated trip to Spain that should have seen him self-isolate afterward.

Bolingoli received a three-match ban from the SFA, leading to his falling out amongst many Celtic fans and his eventual loan deal to Istanbul Basaksehir.

While the players had received disciplinary actions already from the Scottish Football Association, the clubs are now being reportedly being fined approximately £8,000 by the league, resulting in fines now totaling £30,000 each.

On a fortunate note, the clubs’ fine payments are being put towards the SPFL Trust, a charitable foundation run by the SPFL.

In speaking on the issue, an SPFL spokesperson said the following about both clubs’ adherence to protocols in place since these incidents:

"“Aberdeen FC and Celtic FC demonstrated that they had gone to enormous lengths to ensure that their players adhered to all relevant requirements and protocols relating to Covid-19. However, the requirement of individual players to adhere to their clubs’ carefully designed protocols is a matter of personal and professional responsibility on the part of those players.”"

With these players’ violations, it is rightfully understood that each club pay a penalty, with Celtic having moved on from Bolingoli and his actions, much the better for it with five straight wins since that fateful draw against Killie.

Bolingoli made his debut for the Turkish club on Sunday as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 loss to Galatasary, as his squad gears up for a potential Europa League match against Rangers next week.

Even with the suspensions to players, Aberdeen has fared somewhat well since the incident, currently sitting fourth in the league table with 12 points from just six matches thus far, seven behind Celtic in second place.