Daily Record explains the ‘double standards’ of the SPFL over Hibs postponements

With Hibs getting three matches postponed due to protocol related issues the Daily Record has explained the difference between the cases involving the Edinburgh side and Celtic in January.

Neil Lennon’s squad was firmly in the spotlight as they took off to the sunshine of Dubai for a week of training before returning to a vital series of fixtures.

Celtic reported one positive test when they returned to Scotland but having followed the protocols Lennon was furious to see his squad wiped out for matches against Hibs and Livingston with the manager and John Kennedy also forced to watch from home. Fourteen players were told to self-isolate.

There was never any suggestion of Celtic requesting a postponement of their matches but four hours before kick-off at Dingwall Hibs had their match with Ross County postponed. On Sunday it was rescheduled for Wednesday but last night the SPFL stepped in, postponed it again as well as Saturday’s match against Livingston.

Comparing the two cases, the Daily Record reports:

Then Celtic boss Neil Lennon fumed publicly but the feeling among the general public was less sympathetic amid surging hospital rates in Scotland.

So what’s the difference? SPFL rules state teams need 13 players, that includes a goalkeeper, plus 10 players 18 or older to honour the fixtures against County and Livi.

But further positive tests within the camp means that isn’t possible and the SPFL have granted a reprieve to Hibs.

It seems that having a smaller squad has saved Hibs from going into two matches with the sort of squad that Celtic had for their post Dubai matches. Cameron Harper and Armstrong Oko-Flex made their only Celtic appearances in those matches with the fixtures fulfilled at a cost of four points.

Following a week in Dubai players had to self-isolate for 10 days then returned to action immediately for a 2-2 draw away to Hibs with six points dropped over three matches.