Celtic player who broke COVID guidelines loaned out

The Celtic player whose breach of COVID-19 protocols led to two games being postponed has been loaned out by the club.

Boli Bolingoli has signed for Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir FK on a season-long loan.

The left-back flew to Spain and back last month without telling the Hoops.

He then failed to quarantine himself for 14 days as required, before playing against Kilmarnock five days later.

Celtic’s next two Premiership games were shelved as a consequence.

Boss Neil Lennon said the “maximum sanction” had been meted out to Bolingoli before adding the Belgian’s representatives would look to move him on.

He played 29 times for the Glasgow giants after signing from Rapid Vienna last summer.

But after his breach, he has now linked up with the Turkish champions, who say there is an option to make the move a permanent one next summer.

Celtic said on their website:

“Boli Bolingoli has joined Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir FK on loan until the end of this season. Everyone at Celtic wishes Bolingoli well during his time at Istanbul Basaksehir FK.”

The defender was given a three-game ban by the Scottish Football Association, with a further two-match penalty suspended until 28 February, as a result of his actions.