Rival fans have once again brought Celtic into things as they fumed at Kilmarnock’s decision to forfeit their match against Falkirk.
Kilmarnock released a statement stating that they were given an option of playing the Betfred Cup group stage clash with a team of under-18s players. However, in fear of their youngsters being sapped mentally and physically by the game, Killie took the decision to forfeit the game instead.
Similarities have been drawn with Celtic and Aberdeen being allowed to postpone league fixtures after their own players’ breach of public health guidelines. Boli Bolingoli’s secret jaunt to Spain forced the Hoops to postpone two matches, whilst the Dons saw eight of their players go out for a night on the town when rules permitted against their actions.
Kilmarnock stated that they presented a range of alternative dates to the SPFL board, but were told their game had to be played this evening.
And rival fans (guess which club) are fuming once again as they cry double-standards. Here’s a look at some of the meltdown below:
https://twitter.com/JuniorD1872/status/1313171444940132352
https://twitter.com/TrueBluesLoyal/status/1313173490607022088
Different competition = different rules
There are so many differences that must be outlined between Kilmarnock’s forfeit and our postponement.
First off, it’s a different competition, and therefore different rules are made. You can’t look at Celtic having to postpone two league games and say a precedent has been set there. We can play those fixtures at any point between now and the end of the season, and our game at St Mirren has now already been played.
The dates Killie presented to the SPFL clearly weren’t suitable given they want the last group fixture to be played in November. Celtic had a much bigger timeframe to fit their matches into. Killie also saw their league match with Motherwell postponed on Friday night – so where’s the injustice or double-standards?
Secondly, Kilmarnock’s squad is having to go into self-isolation for two weeks. Six of their players have produced positive tests, and therefore it can’t compare with a player who secretly broke health guidelines and also ended up coming back without the virus.
Celtic didn’t have to isolate, so there were no concerns about rearranging the St Mirren game so soon. The SPFL will know they can’t keep pushing back fixtures for every squad that gets hit with the virus. A line in the sand must be drawn, and for such a big Covid problem such as the one Kilmarnock has, serious action has to be taken in cup competitions. We don’t have an endless amount of dates to use – the season has already started late.
And finally, let’s not forget that Killie have actually had the chance to play the game tonight. Yes, it would’ve been with an under-18s squad, but they haven’t been demanded to forfeit.
Their argument against fielding a team is understandable, but at the same time, a lot of the youngsters would’ve been itching to feature. Just look at how the Czech Republic’s D side performed against Scotland last month after their first-team squad had to pull out. You can bet a lot of Killie’s youngsters will be a tad frustrated with the club’s decision.
Celtic are such an easy target, but it’s important to remember that nobody at the club actually contracted the virus. That couldn’t be any different from what’s happening in Ayrshire.
But hey ho, when you dominate as much as the champions of Scotland do, you’re entitled to wind up a few.
In other news, two players Celtic reportedly held talks about didn’t leave their clubs on deadline day.
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