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Unbelievably arrogant- watch Andy Walker call out Celtic hierarchy over Dubai fiasco

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Andy Walker delivered a powerful and emotional attack on Celtic’s Dubai disaster.

From before the club opted to take a six day break in the sunshine resort voices pf concern were raised but no-one could have predicted the full outcome of the trip.

After more than a week of attacks ranging from the Scottish Government to multiple media pundits a makeshift squad with 13 players self-isolating stands 21 points behind their Ibrox rivals in a title race that has been over for some time.

Jetting out the day after a defeat in the Glasgow derby was never a wise move, as pictures emerged of Neil Lennon and Scott Brown enjoying poolside drinks the trip began to unfold.

Nicola Sturgeon called on the SFA for answers over the trip for elite athletes at a time when Lockdown conditions came into force across mainland Scotland.

Today it emerged that an injured player had tested positive- forcing 13 players plus Neil Lennon and John Kennedy to isolate. Adding to the humiliation the club issued a statement defending the decision to go to Dubai claiming that the virus could have been picked up just as easily staying at home.

Dubai is normally a favoured haunt of European clubs for some warm weather training in January, this year it seems that Celtic were the only club to stick with that ritual with the club under siege from politicians, media pundits, fans and former players for their decision and actions.

At times Walker seemed quite emotional as he spoke out, echoing the thoughts of many fans as he stood in an empty Celtic Park with a shadow team being put out for a match in what could have been a historic season.

I think what we’ve seen is some dismal governance. First of all from the joint response group – this is a body that also agreed to sign off on Celtic’s trip to Dubai. At a time when they’re approaching the government to plead a bit of poverty, apparently there’s no money in Scottish football.

I’m guessing this trip Celtic went on to Dubai cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. They chartered their own aircraft, they stayed for five nights in five-star accommodation for, I don’t know, 20, 30 people?

It’s extraordinary. And we’re also seeing some dismal governance from this club (Celtic). It is unbelievably arrogant to abuse your status as an elite sportsman. That was only brought in for international or elite competition, not for a jolly in Dubai.

What the Celtic supporters deserve is a bit of contrition from someone, anyone, with a bit of backbone at this club. Preferably Dermot Desmond because he’s the one that makes the big changes, he’s the one who could knock some heads together here.

You’ve got to remember Celtic supporters are paying their season tickets to see all the big stars – they’re not seeing them tonight. That’s not their fault, they’re being short changed, and it’s completely unacceptable.

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