Scottish soccer was in danger of being halted by the country's government after a Celtic player breached coronavirus rules by taking a secret trip to Spain and failing to self-isolate on his return.

The Scottish champions have begun a “full investigation” into the actions of left back Boli Bolingoli, who played in a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock in the league on Sunday despite only recently returning from Spain without quarantining.

A game between Aberdeen and St. Johnstone on Saturday was postponed a day earlier after two Aberdeen players tested positive for COVID-19 and a further six were instructed to self-isolate following a night out in a bar.

It led to Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warning that Scottish soccer’s privileges to play during the safety restrictions would be at risk if a similar situation arose.

All 12 Premiership managers and captains held talks with government officials on Monday and were reminded of their responsibilities over protocols particular to football and also the general public.

Celtic said it has taken its response to COVID-19 “extremely seriously” and has recorded no positive tests so far.

“Our staff have given so much in this area," a club statement read, “working tirelessly to ensure that all players and other club personnel are safe, fully aware of their own responsibilities and familiar with all guidance and protocols. Safety must always be our priority.”

Spain was restored to the Scottish government’s list of countries from which returning travellers must quarantine themselves for 14 days following a decision on July 25, which came into effect from midnight on July 26.

On Bolingoli, Celtic said: “Clearly, a full investigation will now take place and the club will take all appropriate action.

“Subsequent to the player’s return he has recorded two negative tests in the past week.”

The BBC reported on Tuesday that the Scottish government said it was in discussion with Celtic and governing bodies to establish the facts.

“If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football, where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health," read a government statement reported by the BBC, "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.”

The new Scottish season started on Aug. 1 after the 2019-20 campaign was called off early, in May, because there was no immediate prospect of play restarting amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80