Kilmarnock will bring the Celtic trip to Dubai into their fight with the SPFL after forfeits and fines against the Rugby Park were suspended.
Both Kilmarnock and St Mirren were penalised for breaching Covid-19 protocols earlier this season, leading to 3-0 forfeits for games against Hamilton and Motherwell. Each side was always given a £40,000 suspended fine but the Celtic trip to the Middle East has sparked controversy.
Following Saturday’s defeat to Rangers, Celtic jetted off to Dubai for a warm winter training camp, amid a global pandemic and impending lockdown in Scotland. Pictures appeared online of players and staff seemingly not adhering to social distancing measures.
A case will be heard by the SPFL on January 14th as Kilmarnock and St Mirren challenge their punishments, some of which included social distancing on team buses and at meals. Images of Celtic players at a bar in Dubai will be used during Killie’s defence.
Alex Dyer and Jim Goodwin’s side sit eighth and seventh respectively in the Premiership. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already called upon the SFA to look into the Celtic trip to Dubai, although they will not investigate this, it has been announced.
“For me, the question for Celtic is what is the purpose of them being there,” First Minister Sturgeon said. “I’ve seen comments from the club that it’s more for R&R than training.
“I have also seen some photographs – and I don’t know the full circumstances – that would raise a question in my mind about whether all the rules elite players have to follow in their bubble around social distancing are being complied with.”