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Scotland’s draw with the Czech Republic turned into a match of rancor as relations between the two nations hit rock bottom and Celtic sought assurances that their players are not at risk of contracting coronavirus.
SFA President Rod Petrie and CEO Ian Maxwell did not join the traveling party, as Chief Steve Clarke and his players flew into the tie in Olomouc.
The absence comes after the Czech Federation refused to respond to repeated attempts at clarification after they announced on a Twitter account on Friday night that the game would not go ahead.
Although both Petrie and Maxwell are believed to have been enraged by the lockdown, Record Sport understands that the decision to stay home and avoid one of the coronavirus hot spots in Europe was based primarily on health and safety reasons.
We can also reveal that Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell also contacted Hampden’s sixth floor on Saturday to seek safety assurances, with infection figures in the Czech Republic reaching record highs over the past week.
Four Hoops stars are on Clarke’s gaming team, while five other Lennoxtown staff from Lawwell are on the technical support team.
The trip turned into chaos late Friday night when the Czech government ordered Jaroslav Silhavy and his players to go into quarantine following a 3-1 victory in Slovakia, prompting the FA’s decision to suspend tonight’s game.
Two of Silhavy’s players were already self-isolating after coming into contact with a member of their backroom staff who tested positive for Covid-19.
But the decision to disconnect Scotland’s visit was reversed on Saturday morning when UEFA demanded that the match be played.
As late as Sunday afternoon, with Clarke and his players boarding a flight, Maxwell was still awaiting confirmation from the Czechs that all necessary plans had been put in place.
A source from Hampden said: “It is really incredible that there has been no communication from the Czech Federation.
“Ian Maxwell has sent emails, texts and tried to contact them in a WhatsApp group created for this accessory.
“He has not had an answer. It really is an astonishing lack of professionalism and respect on their part.
“Although Rod Petrie and Maxwell are far from happy, they have not made the decision to stay home as some kind of slight.
“The Czech Republic is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and none of them could have made that journey and fulfilled their obligations without exiting the bubble that has been created for Steve Clarke and the players.
“It was decided that only those who are absolutely necessary for the manager and his team should be part of the traveling group.”
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