Dutch dispute deepens for Scots kid
Scotland Under-21 defender, George Johnston, could be dragged into a row currently being played out in Holland.
The former Liverpool defender is a key member of Scot Gemmill’s team, but his club, Feyenoord, are currently at odds with the Dutch FA.
The national association – the KNVB – have threatened to ban two Feyenoord stars from playing their next game after the Rotterdam club pulled them out of the Holland Under-21 squad.
Feyenoord also stated they will not release Johnston for the Scotland youngsters’ Euro qualifier in Lithuania a week on Tuesday.
Dutch Under-21 duo, Justin Bijlow and Lutsharel Geetruida, will not be allowed to play against Belarus, and Robert Bozeník won’t be allowed to go to Israel with Slovakia, because they would have to quarantine on their return.
But their own association has threatened sanctions against them, and will ban them for one Feyenoord match if the club refuse to allow them to travel.
The SFA are viewing the situation with interest.
KNVB Technical Director, Nico-jan Hoogma, said: “It’s clearly a difficult situation having to play a match in Belarus, but we have no choice.
“We have told all clubs we will do everything possible to protect our players, and to try our very best to guarantee their safety.
“We do not think it is fair that one club is allowed not to release players, and others are not.
“They will be suspended for Feyenoord’s next game if they refuse a call-up. Those are the rules.”
Johnston made his debut for Dick Advocaat’s side earlier month.