Glasgow (AFP) – The Scottish government has threatened to call a halt to the new Premiership season due to another breach of the strict coronavirus quarantine rules.

Celtic’s Belgian defender Boli Bolingoli said he had not observed quarantine protocols after a trip to Spain. Anyone returning to Scotland from Spain must spend two weeks in quarantine.

Bolingoli, 25, played in the Scottish champions’ 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock on Sunday, the team’s second match of the season.

Although he apologised for his behaviour, Celtic did not hide their fury in a statement released later on Tuesday, saying: “It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances.”

The Scottish government is already furious at eight Aberdeen players who visited a bar last week. Two of them tested positive, forcing the postponement of last Saturday’s Premiership game with St Johnstone.

The government said if they felt protocol had been broken, then they could press the pause button on the season.

“We are currently in discussion with the club (Celtic) and football governing bodies to establish the facts,” the administration said in a statement.

“If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football, where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health, then the Scottish government will have little choice but to consider whether a pause is now needed in the resumption of the game in Scotland.”

Bolingoli said he wanted to apologise to his manager, teammates, supporters, “and so many others for letting them down so badly”.

“I am guilty of a major error of judgement,” the 25-year-old added.

“I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences.”

Celtic said Bolingoli, who joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna last year, would feel the full force of their disciplinary procedures.

“Celtic unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions,” the club said.

“It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation.

“The club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures.

“Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club today, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions.”