Hibs chief: Celtic situation unprecedented and should have been treated as such

For nearly 24 hours the Parkhead side has dominated the headlines after Christopher Jullien tested positive for the virus and a total of 16 players and staff were ordered to self-isolate following their controversial mid-season trip to Dubai.

The game was still in doubt as late as 5.30pm with the green light only being given two hours before kick-off. Despite a number of regulars sitting this fixture out, including management duo Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, the hosts have still been able to name the likes of Tom Rogic and Diego Laalt in their starting XI.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match Mathie said: “There have been a number of conversations today, the majority of which have to remain private.

"But the club statement expressed our concerns. We are dealing with an unprecedented situation different to any we’ve faced before and it should have been treated as such.

"We felt it wasn’t unreasonable to request an additional round of testing; we know it’s not something that’s normally carried out but we wanted to give peace of mind to the Hibs players and staff.

"That request was rejected by the SPFL and Celtic. Without going into details, the statement covers our view.

"There was no option for us not to play tonight, and now we are here to get three points and to win a game of football.”

Mathie confirmed he had been in contact with PFA Scotland chief Fraser Wishart, adding: “My job is to look after the welfare of our players and staff.

"It’s right that I can ask relevant questions of relevant people. We’re employers, and we work with employees.

"I spoke to Fraser to get his views on the situation and to ask if any of our players had come to him to express their concerns.

"I also spoke with David Gray, our club captain and PFA representative, but that conversation didn’t get very far before we got word that we had to come and play the game.”

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