FORMER Celtic striker Andy Walker has launched a blistering tirade against his old side for their decision to fly out to Dubai for a winter training camp - telling his old employers  'this is not the club I played for'.

The Glasgow club were left reeling from the news that defender Christopher Jullien had tested positive for coronairus upon the squad's return to Scotland, forcing 13 players and three members of the coaching staff into self-isolation as a precautionary measure.

Celtic have faced heavy criticism for persevering with their annual trip to the UAE despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with Walker letting his feelings on the matter be known with a passionate rant on Sky Sports shortly before the league fixture against Hibs got under way.

He said: "I think what we've seen is some dismal governance. First of all from the Joint Response Group - this is a body that also agreed to sign off on Celtic's trip to Dubai.

Glasgow Times:

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"At a time when they're approaching the government to plead a bit of poverty, apparently there's no money in Scottish football.

"I'm guessing this trip Celtic went on to Dubai cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. They chartered their own aircraft, they stayed for five nights in five-star accommodation for, I don't know - 20, 30 people?

"It's extraordinary. And we're also seeing some dismal governance from this club [Celtic]. It is unbelievably arrogant to abuse your status as an elite sportsman.

"That was only brought in for international or elite competition, not for a jolly in Dubai.

"What the Celtic supporters deserve is a bit of contrition from someone, anyone, with a bit of backbone at this club. Preferably Dermot Desmond because he's the one that makes the big changes, he's the one who could knock some heads together here.

"You've got to remember Celtic supporters are paying their season tickets to see all the big stars - they're not seeing them tonight. That's not their fault, they're being short changed, and it's completely unacceptable."

Glasgow Times:

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Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs was sharing punditry duties with Walker during the build-up on Sky, and nodded in agreement while he spoke.

Walker continued: "Stubbsy, you and I have played for this club. The whole makeup of this club is social responsibility, a bit of understanding of what your supporters are going through.

"They can't see their families. Celtic are jetting off to Dubai and they still think it's the right thing to do.

"Dermot Desmond needs to get on this case and make things happen. It's completely unacceptable the way Celtic have behaved here.

"I want them to show a bit of contrition, a bit of understanding that some Celtic supporters can't see their grandchildren, can't see their families.

"Celtic are being so arrogant. This is not the club I played for, there was no arrogance. And that is what is underpinning this whole debacle here, arrogance.

"I don't think you've got anyone at the club who understands the supporters, who understands what they're going through.

Glasgow Times:

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"I'll say it again, they are paying good money for a season ticket to watch virtual games, they can't get into the stadium. They want to see the best players available.

"They're not getting value for money tonight - they are being cheated. Are they going to get a refund? It's extraordinary that there is no contrition at this club for what's happening here. It's a complete disaster."