Celtic have confirmed that their preference is to get the Scottish Premiership season for 2019/20 finished before any silverware is handed out and 9-in-a-row is confirmed according to The Daily Record.
A source told The Record:
“Celtic’s position is very clear. We have always wanted the league season to be completed and that remains our view. If there is any chance of playing the games and finishing the season over the summer then that’s what we would prefer.
“But we also understand the financial problems are piling up for clubs all across the country the longer this crisis continues. If the season has to be ended early in order to stop clubs from going to the wall then, of course, we would go along with that. It has to be all about the greater good.”
Celtic are (probably) the only club cable of riding out the current coronavirus pandemic given the substantial bank balance that they currently enjoy, they have also been proactive in deciding to furlough non-playing staff, taking advantage of the government’s scheme which will cover 80% of their wages whilst they are adhering to isolation guidelines with the club making up the other 20%.
For all the high profile headlines from statements made by both Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell, the Hoops have always stated that their desire is to see the 2019/20 season finished and win the title through their own efforts to avoid their 10-in-a-row quest muddied with an asterisk next to one of the triumphs.
The SPFL have been keeping a close eye on events in Europe and will be in constant dialogue with UEFA with it now being rumoured that the Premier League are in talks to plan for starting again in June, even if it is behind closed doors.
In an ever-changing story, there are sure to be plenty more twists before another ball is kicked with player contracts and a transfer window to negotiate too, when the 2020/21 season kicks off will be anyone’s guess and the country currently at a standstill in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic with many fans having infinitely more important worries on their mind.