After defender Christopher Jullien tested positive for coronavirus, manager Neil Lennon and 13 senior quarantine players had to be ruled out.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has admitted the club’s trip to Dubai last week was “clearly a mistake” after defender Christopher Jullien tested positive for Covid-19.
After Jullien’s positive test, manager Neil Lennon and 13 senior players were forced into self-isolation after contacting Jullien during the trip.
The club initially defended their decision to travel to the Middle East for training, but Lawwell has now said travel was not advised at the time of a coronavirus attack.
“By reflecting, looking back and looking back and looking at the outcome of the trip, it was clearly a mistake and for that I offer a huge apology to the staff. support us, “Lawwell said on Celtic ‘s official website.
“This pandemic has affected society as a whole. It has affected people here in Scotland, it has affected our supporters, it has affected our football. and it has made an impact on our club – perhaps our club bigger than any. “
The Celtic tour sparked further controversy when photos of players and staff not wearing masks or social distance appeared at various locations throughout the tour.
Even Scotland’s Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon boarded the trip to Dubai, saying she was “disappointed” and “overwhelmed” by Celtic’s actions in the United Arab Emirates.
“This whole program should reinforce the current state of affairs and why everyone – including football – should err with caution. “Sturgeon said earlier in the week.” I would hope that Celtic itself will think hard about all of this. “
Lawwell acknowledged that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across the UK meant his team’s trip should be reconsidered.
“It is clear that the landscape has changed dramatically – especially in the run up to Dubai – in terms of the extent of the disease,” he said. “The protocols have been robust, they have been proven, and that’s what we set out for the Dubai tour.
“Overall, the decision to go for the right reasons – it was an achievement – and of course the outcome of that has been a disappointment to me. I understand how people are questioning the decision to go. “
Celtic are currently 21 points behind Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers but have three games in their hands.