SPFL to rush through new disciplinary powers which could see players BANNED for breaking Covid-19 guidelines – as chief Neil Doncaster condemns the ‘thoughtless and selfish’ actions of Celtic and Aberdeen stars
- The SPFL will crack down on players guilty of breaching Covid-19 guidelines
- Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli was fined after an unauthorised trip to Spain
- Two Aberdeen players tested positive for the virus after a night in a pub
- Chief executive Neil Doncaster condemned the selfish and thoughtless actions
The SPFL plan to crack down on players guilty of breaching Covid-19 regulations.
Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli was hit with a £480 fixed penalty by Police Scotland for breaking strict quarantine rules after an unauthorised trip to Spain.
And league chiefs are already looking into disciplinary action against Aberdeen after two Dons players tested positive after a night in a city centre pub, with action also likely against Celtic after both clubs had their next two games postponed on government orders.
The SPFL are planning to crack down on players guilty of breaching Covid-19 guidelines
Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli was fined after failing to disclose he had been on a trip to Spain
With the Hampden authorities under pressure to get to grips with players showing a reckless disregard for public health, however, the SPFL now plan to rush through new disciplinary powers.
Current rules only allow league chiefs to take disciplinary action against clubs.
Proposals to be put before the SPFL board will seek the go ahead to haul players before a three-man independent panel and face the possibility of bans and fines.
Angered by the threat posed to the new season by players from Celtic and Aberdeen SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster 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.
Two Aberdeen players tested positive for coronavirus after several players visited a pub
Chief executive Neil Doncaster condemned the selfish and thoughtless actions of individuals
‘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.’
Due to retire this month, SPFL secretary Iain Blair has now agreed to stay until the end of January to help with a looming fixtures crisis caused by covid-related postponements.
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