Boli Bolingoli’s “stupid” actions have put Celtic under the microscope and now face the very real threat of being kicked out of the Champions League before a ball has been kicked in their 2020/21 qualifying campaign.
With the First Minister confirming that the Parkhead club will not be expected to be seen on a football pitch over the next week, speculation is now mounting surrounding their second qualifying round tie against Reykjavik depending on when sanctions will be lifted.
UEFA have already made it clear that any club that faces restrictions in their own country could suffer the severest of consequences with Celtic potentially having to forfeit their one-off fixture, with no opportunity to overturn even the standard 3-0 reverse it could lead to their expulsion from continental football for the full campaign.
Nicola Sturgeon made it perfectly clear that football in Scotland is now on a “yellow card” and that any further contraventions of Covid-19 guidelines and protocols could lead to the game being called to a halt, although that remains a last resort.
What should happen to Bolingoli?
Fined
Suspended
Sacked
Aberdeen were expected to be allowed to return to action in mid-week after their recent indiscretion, so if the Celtic were subjected to the same treatment they should be given the all clear to play, how much training and preparation the players will have is another story if they are expected to isolate at home.
For one player to cause – potentially – so much damage will be infuriating for Neil Lennon and the hierarchy at Parkhead and given the severity of the club’s condemnation of Bolingoli, there is every chance that he is on borrowed time in Glasgow.