‘A very big call’ Celtic face massive decision over Norwegian dilemma
Celtic face a massive decision this week- whether they go along with the instructions/demands of the Norwegian Government and Health Authority.
After the postponement of two international matches the Norwegian international players have been released to travel back to their employers on one condition- that they quarantine until November 23.
That ruling would put Moi Elyounoussi and Kris Ajer out of the match against Hibs on Saturday and exclude them from training until the start of next week.
The Cynic Wolf is a Celtic fan based in Norway who provided an insight into the Ronny Deila years, tonight he has shared his reading of the situation facing Celtic this week.
With their squad selected from clubs across Europe including England, Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy and Turkey the ruling from the Norwegian authorities is certain to be challenged.
As long as the Scottish authorities are happy that the Celtic duo have followed protocols there seems to be no reason why they can’t train and play against Hibs. The big call is what action the Norwegian authorities would then take with no international fixtures scheduled until March.
As Celtic players fly home, not yet clear whether they can face Hibs:
1) They’ve been allowed travel home by Norwegian health authorities on condition that isolation is continued until 23rd Nov
but…
2) Scottish health authority ultimately decides what happens once in Glasgow
— TheCynicWolf (@TheCynicWolf) November 15, 2020
Of course, not just Hibs game that’s on the line, it’s whether Ajer & Elyounoussi can complete a full week’s training or have to stay at home. Impacts Ajer the most as he hasn’t had proper training run since being injured against Lille
— TheCynicWolf (@TheCynicWolf) November 15, 2020
Director of elite football at Norwegian FA, Lise Klavenes, confirms that foreign-based players been explicitly told by FA to observe isolation period as a condition for returning home and have received letter from the Norwegian authorities stating the same https://t.co/hrDvwGZgR3
— TheCynicWolf (@TheCynicWolf) November 15, 2020
Seems clear now that if Celtic allow Ajer and Moi to train and play against Hibs next week, even if cleared to do so by local health boards in Scotland, it’ll be going against the explicit instructions from Norwegian FA and Norwegian health authorities. Would be a very big call.
— TheCynicWolf (@TheCynicWolf) November 15, 2020
Obviously not just Celtic seeking clarity on whether their players need to isolate in home country. Also affects among others: Sheffield United, Fulham, AC Milan, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, Sampdoria, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund & RB Leipzig.
Be interesting to follow decisions
— TheCynicWolf (@TheCynicWolf) November 15, 2020