Hibs reveal SPFL threat as club issues statement on controversial Celtic clash

Hibs have issued a statement concerning tonight’s Scottish Premiership fixture with Celtic and the subsequent threat of consequences from the SPFL if the Easter Road side did not play the match.

A general view of Easter Road stadium

The game was in doubt until as late as 5.45pm, with some Easter Road players understood to have reservations about playing the match after the Covid-19 fall-out of Celtic's mid-season trip to Dubai.

Christopher Jullien returned a positive test for the virus and a total of 16 players and staff are now self-isolating but despite Hibs asking Celtic to carry out an additional round of testing to “provide an extra measure of assurance”, the club and league bosses refused the request.

Hibs also revealed that the SPFL had threatened the Capital club with “severe consequences” if they did not fulfill the fixture.

The statement read: “Hibernian FC today reiterated it would do everything possible to ensure it meets its duty of care to all players and staff ahead of tonight’s fixture at Celtic Park.

“The club had asked the SPFL and Celtic to carry out an additional round of 'on the day' Covid 19 testing of Celtic players to provide an extra measure of assurance. We regarded this as a reasonable request – given the incubation period of the virus – but, unfortunately, our request was refused. The request followed 16 members of staff and players at Celtic being told to self-isolate on their return from an overseas training camp to Dubai after a positive result for one player, Christopher Jullien, who is long-term injured and whom we wish a speedy recovery.

“The SPFL made clear that not fulfilling the fixture would have severe consequences for Hibernian. The club also notes that we are being asked to fulfil this fixture less than two weeks from our Betfred Cup semi-final.

"We have been assured by the SPFL that any Covid 19 issues that may arise from fulfilling this fixture will be taken into account, and the semi-final postponed if required.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.