Celtic confirm Boli Bolingoli exit following COVID-19 lockdown breach as defender joins Istanbul Basaksehir on loan
Celtic have sent Boli Bolingoli to Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir FK on loan for the season following his COVID-19 breach.
The 25-year-old broke Scotland’s strict lockdown rules last month when he travelled to Spain in a short ‘secret’ trip ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season.
Bolingoli flew to Spain and back without telling Celtic
He then failed to adhere to the 14-day quarantine rules when he returned from the high-risk country, and played in the defending champions’ opening game against Kilmarnock without telling anyone from the club about his trip.
Celtic were urged to rip up Bolingoli’s contract when the defender’s actions where made public, with the likes of former Bhoys star Kris Commons and even Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon criticising the ‘selfish’ star.
And while the Scottish champions haven’t quite done that, Celtic confirmed on Sunday the defender has left the club on a short-term deal.
Bolingoli joined Celtic in July 2019 from Austrian Bundesliga side Rapid Vienna and made 28 appearances in his first season for the Scottish giants.
He made one substitute appearance this term, as he came off the bench against Kilmarnock despite failing to self-isolate after his short trip to Spain.
His actions led to two Celtic games being postponed, with the club ‘unreservedly’ condemning Bolingoli’s ‘irresponsibility’ and manager Neil Lennon saying he was ‘livid and appalled’.
“I am livid, a total betrayal of trust,” said Hoops boss last month.
Former Celtic star Kris Commons calls on the club to sack Boli Bolingoli after breaking lockdown rules with ‘secret’ Spain trip
“He took a flight to Spain on the Monday and flew back on Tuesday – one day in Spain, no logic to that – and decided to keep it to himself.
“He trained all week in this bubble and was part of the squad for Sunday and put everybody at risk, the Kilmarnock players and staff as well.
“We were livid and appalled. We have been bitterly, sorely let down by the selfish actions of one individual.
“The actions of the individual is baffling. He has totally let the club down. The players are angry, disappointed and frustrated.”
And while Bolingoli remains a Celtic player, his long-term future of the club is surely in doubt following the announcement of his loan exit to Turkey.
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