Celtic manager Neil Lennon might be bemoaning the Scottish government response to Rangers in the aftermath of player Covid-19 protocol breaches.
Hell, Lennon might even write directly to Nicola Sturgeon to express some of his bubbling rage after the Gers’ were commended by Holyrood for how they dealt with partygoers Jordan Jones and George Edmundson in the week.
But all it does is show the Parkhead boss up to be a major hypocrite and a man clearly feeling the pressure with Rangers out in front in the title race.
Lennon’s complaints are largely centred around the government’s infamous response to Boli Bolingoli’s Spanish jolly where he jetted outside the travel corridor and then played against Kilmarnock in August.
Despite the efforts of the likes of Chris Sutton and outspoken journalist Bill Leckie to claim otherwise, this breach was wholly different from the one involving the Rangers players.
Mostly because the Rangers breach has not directly impacted the playing of football in Scotland, even if it will impact the careers of the two players.
The same can be said when compared to the Aberdeen Eight and it’s the reason why the Gers are reportedly likely to escape an SPFL charge [Scottish Sun].
That’s the kicker here – the Rangers situation was dealt with quickly and effectively whilst those involving Aberdeen and Celtic were a genuine PR nightmare which directly disrupted the calendar.
What does Lennon want? Rangers to have several matches postponed, even though it makes absolutely no medical sense?
Does he want someone from the government to come out and slap Rangers on the back on the hand and threaten a second “yellow card” for a minor foul?
Sorry Neil, but you’ll need to haul back that points total yourself without any help and this irrational complaint about the Rangers situation probably shows you’re focused on the wrong things.
Lennon said the government’s response was “bewildering” and “unacceptable” as he fed into those weird narratives of conspiracy which always fester in some corners of the Celtic support.
But in mentioning the situation he failed to discuss those early season house party breaches of Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.
Lennon also claimed that Jeremie Frimpong – who flew someone in from the USA and let them stay in their flat without self-isolating – did nothing wrong.
You couldn’t mark the guy’s neck with a blowtorch.
This kind of bitter language from Lenny is a sign that Celtic will be opportunistic with such scenarios where they can, something further evidenced by the press response to the situation.
It’s also another reason why the Ibrox club must maintain their bubble, continue winning matches and keep a visibly under pressure Neil Lennon fixated on issues off the pitch rather than those on it.
