Yellow card as Aberdeen and Celtic games called off
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said today that if there are further breaches by players it could result in the football season being postponed.
She said: "Some football players are incapable of living up to their responsibilities and I very much regret that.
"This is not acceptable, we are asking members of public to make huge sacrifices in how they live their lives.
"The vast majority of the public are doing that but some football players have decided not to bother and we can't have that.
"I want to get to a situation where clubs and players live up to their responsibilities and I don't want the price to be paid by fans.
"I don't want the price to be paid by football clubs or fans who are living up to their responsibilities.
"We have to be clear this situation is not acceptable.
She stressed: "I will put this as clear as I can so that the football world will understand.
"Consider today the yellow card, the next time will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice."
Responding to the situation, Scottish Football's Joint Response Group issued as statetment this afternoon.
It reads: "During discussions this morning with the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing a request was received – and subsequently agreed by the Joint Response Group – for the postponement of the following fixtures:
"Saturday, August 15 - Celtic v Aberdeen
"Wednesday, August 21 Aberdeen v Hamilton Academical and St Mirren v Celtic
"These matches have been postponed in light of ongoing restrictions in Aberdeen and today’s news of a breach of government public health guidance and football protocols involving the Celtic FC player, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.
"During further discussions today with the Minister and government advisers, the JRG has offered to work on a range of measures – which will involve the whole of professional football in Scotland - to underpin a commitment to raising public health awareness and reaffirm the collective responsibility of the national game."
Chair of the JRG Rod Petrie said: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government.
"While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.
“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols.
"We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.
“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country.
"It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.
“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.
“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night.
"Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.
“Since March, the Joint Response Group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.
“Players must heed the warning of the First Minister that this is a yellow-card moment for Scottish football.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive said: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game.
"For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.
“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth.
“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”
