Celtic fans had no sympathy for Chris McLaughlin after the BBC Scotland reporter revealed that he would be covering the Olympic Games from his quarantine hotel bedroom.
The chief report of the state broadcaster should have been looking forward to almost a month of hospitality and networking in and around Tokyo but will now be in the same position as most commercial outlets watching from afar on a screen.
Back in January McLaughlin made an appearance at the First Minister’s media conference to push for punishments after Scott Brown and Neil Lennon enjoyed a poolside beer in Dubai.
When the rules were changed on Celtic’s return from Dubai the glee from BBC Scotland was obvious as 13 players plus Neil Lennon and John Kennedy were forced to self-isolate. There were no follow up questions to the Scottish Government on the rule change.
When John Fleck tested positive ahead of Scotland’s friendly against Holland the BBC and others were happy to believe that there were no close contacts.
Similarly no questions were asked about how Billy Gilmour tested positive and the near miracle of having no close contact with any Scotland team-mates despite sharing a hotel, dressing room and aeroplane with Steve Clarke’s international squad.
Hugely frustrated that BBC Scotland team here in Tokyo identified as close contacts to a Covid case on flight over. Rules say self isolate in hotel room for 14 days. Numerous PCR tests negative. Athletes on same flight also identified but rules say they don’t isolate. #Tokyo2020
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) July 20, 2021
Was an arbitrary 3m rule imposed after having previously agreed less draconian rules. Were social media posts pored over to demonstrate lack of compliance. Oh wait that’s reserved for Celtic exclusively
— James B (@JBr1977) July 20, 2021
Welcome to Celtic’s world
— bigbrian (@bigbrian67) July 20, 2021
Who cares, you were filled with glee when the @scotgov made a very large number of @CelticFC staff isolate after a trip to Dubai.
— Palma Bhoy (@Palma_Bhoy) July 20, 2021
Wonder if you felt the same when Celtic returned from Dubai ?
— Des ??????? (@johndes123) July 20, 2021
Good, you shouldn’t be there as its only for real sports journalists
— Celticrob (@Celticrob2) July 20, 2021
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— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) July 20, 2021
You where good enough to report on the rules regarding Celtic’s trip to Dubai though Chris. Rules are rules bet you wish you where part of the 100m team now ?
— One Club Since 1888 (@weareceltic1967) July 20, 2021