Chaos could surround upcoming Celtic fixtures with cold snap approaching

By Euan Davidson

January 7, 2021

If Celtic didn’t have enough stress regarding fixtures, it looks like it’s about to get worse.

The Bhoys already have 3 games in hand, largely down to Boli Bolingoli’s lockdown breaking trip to Spain (Herald). Now, extreme weather is set to complicate things further.

According to The Daily Mirror, wintery conditions are on their way:

“A major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is developing high above the Arctic and it could bring unusually cold and snowy conditions to the UK in the coming weeks.

“It is the same weather phenomenon that triggered the deadly Beast from the East in 2018, when the UK was blanketed by 50cm (20ins) of snow during a -15C freeze, but it is unclear if the conditions will be as severe this time around.”

The Met Office have issued weather warnings for today and tomorrow, with conditions set to get worse.

Ross County’s visit to Livingston has already been rearranged due to weather concerns (BBC). This follows a raft of postponements and cancellations owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Celtic striker Edouard scores against Hibs / (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Upcoming Celtic fixtures in doubt?

Over the next two weeks, Celtic have a tight schedule. There are two home games, one against Jack Ross’ Hibernian and the other against Livingston. Then, the Bhoys have to travel to the Tony Macaroni for the second consecutive match against the West Lothian-based side.

The last time a storm of this magnitude hit Scotland, Celtic had matches postponed (BBC). That, however, was not in the midst of a global pandemic.

There’ll be pressure on the SPFL to either rearrange fixtures, or to force teams into playing in potentially unsafe conditions. In any event, it’s another possible nightmare for the SFA and the SPFL, who will be under immense strain should the stormy conditions affect transport.

It’s unwelcome news for Celtic, who are looking to build momentum in the Scottish Premiership. After Saturday’s defeat to Rangers, the Bhoys find themselves 19 points behind, but with 3 games on Gerrard’s side.