Rangers fans react as Nicola Sturgeon questions Celtic conduct in Dubai

Rangers fans have reacted after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon questioned the Celtic squad’s conduct during their ongoing stay in Dubai [STV News].

The Hoops jetted off to the UAE after losing 1-0 to the Gers at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.

Rangers v Celtic - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership

Callum McGregor’s own goal handed Rangers the win. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

A second Old Firm triumph of the season for Steven Gerrard’s men ensured they stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership table to 19 points.

Yet, the Celtic players didn’t appear to be taking the defeat too badly, with images soon emerging of players and staff relaxing poolside and in a bar.

The images were met with disbelief across Scottish football, particularly given the fines handed out to other clubs for breaches such as car-sharing earlier in the campaign, and prompted something of a meltdown from Celtic fans.

Rangers fans have reacted after Nicola Sturgeon waded into the Celtic in Dubai debate. (Photo by Fraser Bremner-Pool/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Celtic and senior player Callum McGregor have since defended the decision to travel [Daily Record] but Sturgeon thinks there are questions to be answered regarding the conduct of the squad.

“What is the purpose of them being there?” she asked [STV News]. “I’ve seen a comment from the club that said it’s more for R&R than it is for training.”

“I’ve also seen some photographs – I can only comment on what I’ve seen and I don’t know the full circumstances – that would raise a question in my mind about whether all the rules of what elite players have to do within their bubbles around social distancing are being complied with. So I think there are things there that should be looked into.

“Elite sport has been in a privileged position over the last year doing things that the general public can’t do… it’s really important they don’t abuse it, that they use for the purposes intended and that applies to Celtic as it would to anyone else in that position.”

'The question is what is the purpose of them being there?'

Celtic's trip to Dubai 'should be looked at', said Nicola Sturgeon. https://t.co/chXVDVcMA6 pic.twitter.com/PuFXVFJTIK

— STV News (@STVNews) January 5, 2021

Rangers fans raised questions about Celtic’s trip over the weekend and now that Sturgeon has spoken out, many want action to be taken.

Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:

Based on the photos and the videos doing the rounds, I’d say they aren’t following the guidelines laid out by the SFA pic.twitter.com/myE1P4wllT

— Ross (@roskorfc) January 5, 2021

Why is nobody asking why they weren’t made to play games in hand this week? They could of played atleast two. If they had designs on winning the league why wouldnt u play this week?

— David. (@Davidur95523041) January 5, 2021

Statement fc will be hammering away at the keyboard as we speak

— Duke of the Manor WATP (@Stevie2gg) January 5, 2021

Award 55 Now ,you know it makes sense 👋

— G450 (@racingfront) January 5, 2021

Throw the book at them 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

— Robert (@RobertMFJ) January 5, 2021

Being allowed to go is one thing. Having a beer at the pool sitting beside members of the public probably wasn’t why they were expected to do once they got there though.

— Jamie (@clubdeckloyal86) January 5, 2021

What wasn’t common knowledge was that the players and coaching staff would be in public areas of the hotel and not social distancing outside of their bubble. All contrary to the return to competition protocols.

— George Thompson (@t98127332) January 5, 2021