Another twist in Elyounoussi-Ajer situation amid confusion

There appears to be a lot of confusion regarding the situation around the Celtic duo of Elyounoussi and Ajer although they have returned to Scotland.

The Norwegian FA have instructed two Celtic players to self isolate at home in Scotland for 10 days. That’s clear. But It’s crazy that there isn’t yet a fully green light confirming they are available to play against Hibs.

Norway’s European Nations league match against Romania was cancelled after one of their defenders tested positive for Covid-19. A Scottish Sun article refers to the Norwegian players being sat on the aircraft waiting to depart for Romania when the cancellation happened, so it was all very last minute.

Mohammed Elyounoussi and Kristoffer Ajer were allowed by the Norwegian FA to return back to Scotland, but stories indicate the players having to promise them that they would isolate if allowed to fly home to Scotland.

Some reports include suggestions the players could contravene Norwegian restrictions if they ignore the isolation request and may face punishment from the authorities there. Here’s ESPN reporter Derek Rae referring to similar situations in Germany.

Other media sources, including the Sun report above are confident that with a total of 3 new negative tests carried out on the two players they’ll be no harm to public safety and, subject to approval from the SFA and SPFL Joint Response Group, the pair will be cleared and able to play in the vital Celtic match at the weekend. If only it was that simple.

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Exceptions in regulations across countries are made for elite sportsmen. Inconsistency in applying regulations is also seen. Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie for example faced different isolation requirements and were cleared to play at different times following being in the same room as Stuart Armstrong who tested positive.

So what does that all mean about the players clearance for Saturday? It means it’s a mess. Even if cleared by the Scottish authorities the players may want or need to get approval or reassurance from the Norwegian authorities if there were indeed conditions the players agreed to for their return to Scotland.

It’s at best a fairly definite maybe that they could be available to play against Hibernian, unless ruled out. Good luck sorting that all out Neil Lennon and Celtic. It surely shouldn’t be this complicated!