CELTIC and Arsenal have demanded a full-scale government probe after Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney were ordered to self-isolate.
The Scotland team-mates are out of Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off with Israel after Stuart Armstrong’s positive Covid-19 test.
It’s understood they were sent home after being involved in PlayStation games with Armstrong — but the pair say they were using different consoles and obeying social-distancing rules.
They’ll now miss crucial club games — with Christie out of next week’s Old Firm derby — after being told by health chiefs to quarantine for 14 days.
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But the players have insisted they have not broken rules and their furious clubs want answers over why they’ve been targeted.
A Hoops spokesman said: “Ryan has reiterated his adherence to all protocols while on international duty.
“In light of this, Celtic aims to open dialogue with the Scottish Government and other authorities to fully understand the self-isolation procedures for those players who continue to deliver negative test results, as Ryan has.”
Arsenal, who could now be without £25million star Tierney for their clash with Manchester City, also demanded an investigation.
A Gunners statement read: “Our medical team have confirmed that Kieran was socially distant at all times from the player who tested positive and has broken no rules regarding Covid-19 protocols.
INNOCENT Celtic star Christie says he’s done nothing wrong as club aim to open talks with Scots Govt and other authorities
“We are currently seeking further advice and clarification of the details.”
The players were ordered to self-isolate by the Lothian Health Protection Team as they were deemed to be “close contacts” of Armstrong.
SunSport understands the trio played PlayStation games at the team hotel before Armstrong’s positive result.
But Christie and Tierney are unhappy at missing the triple-header against Israel, Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Christie said: “I am so disappointed by the events of today and the potential effects on my country and club.
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“As I’ve operated within these protocols for such a long time, I’m well aware of all the rules.
“Social-distancing from team-mates has become the norm and something I’ve observed.”
Tierney said: “I’m so disappointed and frustrated. I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from team-mates in the hotel. I’ve also tested negative.”
Celtic then issued another statement in response to calls from
fans for players to be withdrawn from international duty.
It read: “The club will always do everything possible to protect the
health and well-being of our players but the release of players for
international matches is governed by the FIFA regulations.”
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