Suspensions for players who flouted regulations

THE eight Aberdeen players and Celtic defender who were charged by the Scottish FA after breaching strict coronavirus safety protocols were last night hit with bans.

Bruce Anderson, Craig Bryson, Sam Cosgrove, Mikey Devlin, Jonny Hayes, Matty Kennedy, Dylan McGeouch and Scott McKenna all broke regulations by visiting a city centre bar together after their game against Rangers at Pittodrie on August 1.

They were banned for three games following a disciplinary hearing – but the punishment has been suspended until February 28 and will only take effect if they are found to have flouted the governing body’s rules again.

Celtic left- back Boli BolingoliMbombo failed to self- isolate following a trip to Spain – which the Scottish champions were unaware of – and then played in a Premiership match against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on August 9.

He has been banned for five games with three of them to be served immediately – meaning he will miss the matches against Motherwell tomorrow and Ross County and Livingston next month – and two to be suspended until February.

SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte issued all of the players with notices of complaint earlier this month for breaching Disciplinary Rule 24 over non- compliance with the rules, and Disciplinary Rule 71 over bringing the game into disrepute. Aberdeen fined their players and donated the money to NHS Grampian while Bolingoli was issued with a £ 480 fixed penalty notice by Police Scotland.