As Celtic-dedicated as we are, sometimes props are due around the SPFL.
Dunfermline Athletic and Queen of the South are turning their stadiums into vaccination centres during this brutal wave of Covid-19 (BBC). Realising their potential as community hubs, East End Park and Palmerston Park respectively have been offered to the NHS temporarily.
This move will see the use of a big, outdoor spaces with plenty of on-site facilities as jab centres. It’s a community-focused and valiant move on the part of both clubs.
In England, Barnet are using their stadium to do the same (Dunfermline Press). As vaccination programmes are being aggressively rolled out UK-wide, it makes total sense to use sporting stadia.
Subsequently, we think Celtic should follow suit.
The club have held fundraisers at Celtic Park, including the ever-popular Sleep Out (Celtic FC). Paradise was also used for the opening of the Commonwealth Games, and has hosted countless concerts.
So, why not this too?
Celtic have already shown compassion during COVID-19
To its credit, Celtic have already launched initiatives to help local people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Celtic Foundation has raised over £600,000 for those struggling from the effects of the virus (Celtic FC Foundation). However, the swarm of bad press this week over the club’s trip to Dubai has put Celtic in a bad light.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already publicly questioned Celtic’s foreign travels during this difficult time (Daily Record).
Not only should Celtic open the stadium for vaccinations out of a moral incentive, it would also help to repair some of the damage done by the infamous training camp.
According to the Scottish Government, the vaccine roll-out is in full effect, with over 113,000 patients reached so far. If Celtic Park was to be used for vaccines, the impact would be enormous in the East End of Glasgow.
So then, Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell. If you want an easy solution to some of your recent PR woes, and want to do something useful in a crisis, follow Dunfermline’s example.
Celtic could actively be involved in keeping people alive, here. That’s no exaggeration. Yes, the vaccines could be administered elsewhere in Glasgow’s East End, but why waste this opportunity?
As daft as it sounds, it might make the process more fun for a lot of folk. As adored as the club are, getting a vaccine at Celtic Park might actually be exciting for many.
If it were safe to do so, a couple of fan-favourites could get involved and encourage fans to get their vaccine. Obviously, that’s with social distancing measures kept as an absolute priority.
There is a clear option here. The club can’t afford to lose more face with the Scottish public.
Do it, Celtic.
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