Celtic boss Neil Lennon's comments spark Covid protocol review for Scottish clubs

Scottish Premiership and Championship clubs have been asked to review their Covid protocols following comments made by Celtic manager Neil Lennon criticising the measures in place at opposition grounds.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon speaks to the media ahead of the 2-2 draw at Livingston on January 20 (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

The Hoops boss singled out the procedures in place at both Hamilton Accies and St Johnstone in his explosive press conference on Monday defending the club’s ill-fated trip to Dubai, where he suggested “no physical distancing” was possible in the away dressing room at both venues.

Lennon said: "There is no room, we are cramped up, 15-20 people in the one room. And now, all of sudden, we adhere to all protocols – having taken photographs, adhered to every rule in place – and we have 13 players, and three staff isolating for 10 days that, apart from one, are all negative. It is absolutely preposterous."

Those comments appear to have prompted a response from the SFA’s Joint Response Group with reports suggesting that clubs in Scotland's top two tiers are now being asked to provide detailed information on their current procedures.

The extensive list of requirements includes dimensions of the home, away and referee’s changing rooms for match days, as well as other meeting spaces. Details of the shower room, the position of shower heads, drains, doors and windows have also been requested.

Both Hamilton and St Johnstone have refuted Lennon’s claims with Accies stating, “We are content that we meet the most stringent standards of Covid protocols for all people visiting our stadium,” while Saints branded the Celtic manager’s comments “inaccurate and unfounded”.

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