Celtic are ‘monitoring events in the Middle East’ as tensions rise ahead of their warm weather training camp in Dubai.
This morning the Foreign Office warned UK citizens not to travel to Iraq and only to travel to Iran if it was absolutely essential.
It’s the fourth year running that Celtic have went to the gulf state during the winter break having previously been to Turkey, Spain and Gran Canaria after Martin O’Neill had preferred Florida during his time as manager.
Dubai has certainly been popular with the players who’ve had double sessions in the sun during the day before enjoying the tourist delights of Dubai in the evening, often with their family.
The assassination of a leading Iraqi general by a US air strike has taken tensions between Iraq and the USA to new levels with some experts warning that an escalation is inevitable dragging other gulf states into the issue.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to warn British nationals against all travel to Iraq and all but essential travel to Iran following the death of senior Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. airstrike
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) January 4, 2020
The Sun reports:
A Rangers spokesperson said: “We are obviously aware of events in the Middle East and we are monitoring the situation. As a club we will heed Foreign Office advice.”
Celtic chiefs are also monitoring events in the Middle East closely. Both Rangers and Celtic will train at the world- renowned Nad al Sheba Sports Complex.
While safety is paramount insurance will be another issue with policies generally null and void in a war zone.
Although it is rich in oil money tourism is a major source of income in Dubai with all year round sports events promoting the emirate.
Many of the top clubs in European football will be in the area this month, should they have to cancel or cut short their visits it will be a major blow to the reputation of the area.
