Covid rule breakers face eight match ban Bolingoli and the Aberdeen eight charged by the SFA
CELTIC’S Boli Bolingoli could be facing an eightmatch ban after being charged with bringing the game into disrepute. Bolingoli has been cited by the Scottish Football Association for breaching Covid-19 protocols along with Jonny Hayes, Scott McKenna, Sam Cosgrove, Craig Bryson, Bruce Anderson, Dylan McGeouch, Matty Kennedy and Michael Devlin of Aberdeen.
The Celtic full-back flew to Spain last week after being given two days off by his club and failed to enter quarantine upon his return, as per Scottish Government guidelines. He then went on to play the final minutes of Celtic’s draw with Kilmarnock as a substitute last Sunday.
Two of the Aberdeen players tested positive for coronavirus after the party of eight enjoyed a night out in the city after their opening-day defeat to Rangers.
The SFA have subsequently charged all of the players under breaches of Disciplinary Rule 24 and Disciplinary Rule 71, with the hearing scheduled for Friday, August 28th.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Professional Football League have also opened separate disciplinary proceedings against each of the clubs involved for alleged breaches of the SPFL’s Covid-19 – Requirements and Testing Regulation.
Aberdeen had earlier announced the outcome of their own internal investigation into the misconduct of their players, fining them and donating the proceeds to NHS Grampian.
Aberdeen chairman, Dave Cormack, said in a statement: “These players made a huge mistake. They not only went against government guidance but also breached our own COVID-19 procedures, set out by the Club to all players and staff.
“Due to the privilege that has been afforded to professional footballers, and having witnessed the outrage and anger their actions provoked, they are in no doubt that they have let themselves and the Club down.
“They are truly sorry and have apologised unreservedly to the First Minster, health and footballing authorities, the fans, the Manager, the rest of the squad, our staff and board and the wider community.”