Scottish Government respond to Celtic’s Dubai trip
John Swinney has described Celtic’s training trip to Dubai as not a good idea.
The Deputy First Minister was being interviewed on Radio Scotland’s Drive Time show in the aftermath of new Lockdown measures that come into force at midnight tonight.
Over the last four years Celtic have used the Winter Break to head to Dubai for warm weather training with the visit credited with an upsurge in performances in the second half of the season.
With no Winter Break this season next weekend’s home match with Hibs has been put back two days with Neil Lennon’s squad pictured in training today.
The decision to go ahead with a break in Dubai during a global pandemic has been heavily criticised by fans who now find even tighter restrictions in place while their club enjoys a break in the Gulf State.
Despite the introduction of new regulations there has been no direct changes for professional football although that situation could alter.
Deputy First Minister @JohnSwinney tells #Drivetime with @BBCJohnBeattie that professional sport will continue
On Celtic’s trip to Dubai: “I don’t think it’s a good idea, I don’t think it’s a particularly great example set to people… we’ve all got to demonstrate leadership”
— Allan Price ?? ? (@AllanGPrice) January 4, 2021
John Swinney… talking about Pro Sport there.
Doesn’t think @CelticFC leaving the country was a smart idea.
In danger of getting a ‘red card’ here. ?
— Food. Walking. Dugs. (@ayemcclane) January 4, 2021
Dep first minister @JohnSwinney on pro sport continuing in Scotland: “The return of sport has been a source of focus and interest to make sure people can have the balance within life we’re trying to strike. Decisions never straightforward, though.”
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) January 4, 2021
