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WATCH | 'It's unfair' | Peter Lawwell believes Celtic treated harshly

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has said that the club is sorry for their trip to Dubai but ...



WATCH | 'It's unfair' | Peter...
Soccer

WATCH | 'It's unfair' | Peter Lawwell believes Celtic treated harshly

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has said that the club is sorry for their trip to Dubai but maintains that they have been treated unfairly.

13 of the Bhoys' playing staff were forced to self-isolate after defender Christopher Jullien tested positive on a mid-season trip to Dubai.

Peter Lawwell on Celtic

"I certainly don't see that, or agree with that," said Lawwell when asked whether the Dubai trip represented arrogance on the club's part.

"I think it is actually unfair. I do understand why people are questioning the decision to go. This club operates [with the] standards of integrity, respect and humility. We haven't compromised on them.

"Looking at the pandemic, it is fair to say that we have done an awful lot as a club. The attitude that we have had has been responsible, in terms of our record and how we are protecting our people and players, and how we have been involved in getting Scottish football back to playing."

He appealed to supporters at a time when there is serious concern over the leadership of Celtic at managerial and board level.

"I think it is unfair, and I would like to reassure our supporters that the club that they believe they have is here.

"We have made a mistake, and we apologise for that, but the club that they would like to have - and have had - is here."

Dubai

Lawwell defended the trip, saying that at the time of travel the infection rate in Dubai was 'low'.

"If you look back at the last four year, going to the camp in Dubai has been extremely successful. In the decisions we made are entirely for the best interests of the team and the club.

"What we planned to do was take them to these facilities again, which are world-class, after a very hectic programme in November and December."

Lawwell apologised for the club's actions.

"On reflection, looking with hindsight and the outcome of the trip, clearly it was a mistake. For that, I profoundly apologise to our supporters.

"Things haven't gone the way that we wanted to, and the outcome is clearly very regrettable."

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Celtic Dubai Peter Lawwell