This is not about sporting integrity.. it’s about doing everything to suit Celtic
THE days are getting longer again and the light nights are on the way but Scottish football looks to be plunging back into darkness as the Omicron crisis takes grip.
The padlocks are going back up on the grounds after Boxing Day and there’s an almighty punch-up already over Celtic-led plans to start the winter shutdown early.
We’re back in March 2020 territory here people, so hold on tight.
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Its the usual Celtic sporting integrity.
“Close the league down and award it to them in a Zoom conference last year even though there was a quarter of a season left to play.
“Don’t close down the Scottish Cup but play it six months later to give them the Treble.
“Bring forward the shutdown now and play the games when Celtic have all their injured players back and they can get a full house against Rangers.
“Play the St Mirren game though as they are weakened by Covid. It’s not all about sporting integrity, it’s all about everything to suit Celtic as usual.”
Alan Milligan emailed: “It’s no surprise to see Celtic leading the chase to bring the winter shutdown forward.
“We all know it’s because they have a few injured players. Why don’t we just call the league now. Dundee can have the deciding vote unless it gets lost again.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “If Celtic get away with this postponement request you’d be as well shutting the door on Scottish football.
“It’s 2008 all over again with any excuse to avoid playing without their injured players.
“If it’s for health and safety reasons why not call for an immediate shutdown, especially given St Mirren’s situation?”
Stuart McLeod emailed: “This would enable Celtic to get a few of their injured players back for the Old Firm game while Rangers would lose key players to the Africa Cup of Nations for the rescheduled fixture. Somehow public safety didn’t matter at Hampden on Sunday. “Double standards again.” John Bruce, Glasgow, said: “The more cynical might think that Celtic are using this situation to have the game cancelled, all their injured players would be back and their new signings would be in place.
“Celtic were quite happy to comply with the guidelines when they were awarded a title and for a cup final to be postponed until the following season, when their opponents had been relegated and weakened.”
Stacey Allen emailed: “All Celtic are after is time for a few hamstrings to heal and a transfer window to help them strengthen.
“Forget providing football fans with the entertainment of an Old Firm derby while they’re stuck at home amid another lockdown.”
Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, said: “It didn’t take Celtic long to start moaning. If they want the Old Firm game rescheduled, OK, but tell them they can only play the players they had registered on January 2. It works both ways.”
Chris McMenemy, Falkirk, said: “Why not just call the league just now and award the title to the team with the most average points per game?”
Allan Docherty emailed: “I wonder if they would have had the same opinion if the game was at Ibrox. Simple solution, call the league now. It’s not long ago they did the same.” Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “If there’s a vote to cancel games then the season should be ended and leagues awarded on a games-played basis after all the protocol has been set already.”
On the flip side, Iain Miller emailed: “Sporting integrity? As soon as the club from Ibrox see an advantage by playing a home tie against a decimated St Mirren and a Glasgow derby and a trip to Pittodrie without any fans they’re right in there. “Absolute embarrassment.” “If you don’t want to lose players for the Africa Cup of Nations, don’t sign African players.” Henry Moffat, Stirling, said: “Any decision other than to bring forward the break will be an utter farce.
“It’s what all the responsible clubs want other than the usual suspects. Scotland’s four biggest local derbies will all be ruined by no fans and hit clubs pockets massively.” Denis Bruce,
Bishopbriggs, said: Professional football is a spectator sport. Players and spectators thrive in such an atmosphere.
“It makes sense that a break now could get us past the peak of the current wave and get the grounds filled again to the benefit of both spectators and players.”
All of this sounds painfully familiar.