Celtic’s new signing Vakoun Issouf Bayo has taken an unusual step in order to fast-track his Celtic debut.
The Ivorian striker has chosen to accept a fine rather than a two-game suspension which would have ruled him out of Celtic’s next two fixtures.
The peculiar move was prompted after Bayo was booked on his last appearance for his previous club Dunajska Streda. He scored in the 2-2 draw but was cited afterwards for using excessive force to strike an opponent.
The Slovakian FA handed the striker a three game ban. After serving one of the games, he transferred to Celtic and his ban would follow him to Scotland.
However, Slovakian rules dictate the Ivorian could choose to pay a fine in order to quash the remaining two games.
Bayo was left £893 out of pocket, however he now arrives in Glasgow with a clean slate to begin his Celtic career.
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Despite the unusual step taken by Bayo, he is not cleared to make his debut just yet.
Celtic are still waiting on a work permit being finalised for the Ivorian striker.
It is not expected that this will be an issue, however, and the deal has already been completed.
Celtic are hopeful they can unleash their new £2m man against Airdrie in the Scottish Cup.
Baying for goals
The new signing appears to be ready to fire Celtic to eight successive league titles in a row.
He joins the club amidst a quest for a historic treble treble. His 18 goals in 23 games in Slovakia suggest he is a man in a hurry to find the net.
Celtic were desperately seeking new fire power in the winter sales. With Odsonne Edouard carrying the burden on his own, while Leigh Griffiths takes an extended absence, Bayo could be the man to help Edouard in attack.
New signings Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah suggest Rodgers may be tempted into breaking away from his one striker system.
If that happens, Celtic could become a team full of goals. Watch this space.