TOM ROGIC had to leave Glasgow under duress on Thursday after failing to convince the Australian FA and his international boss, Graham Arnold, that he should stay in Glasgow until December 30th.
Celtic have a Glasgow Derby date at Ibrox on Saturday, but Rogic was told in no uncertain terms he could not join up with his country any later than scheduled.
The Socceroos showed no flexibility or willingness to listen to one of their international stars and instead took a very narrowminded and selfish path to bring the midfielder in using FIFA rules.
Rogic was upset about the decision and felt compelled to post a message to the Celtic support before he boarded a flight to Dubai.
However, the Australian FA now looks petty and just a bit silly after it was revealed other countries had made even more significant concessions with regards to their players for the tournament.
Spurs have successfully negotiated with South Korea to allow Son Heung-min to play on for the club until mid-January before heading to the Asia Cup.
Neil Etheridge has been omitted from the Phillipenes squad for the Asia Cup after talks with Cardiff about his importance to the Welsh side.
That’s a top South Korean player missing the first two games of his countries competition because his country recognises the importance of his club career.
Then we have a guy in Etheridge who has won over 60 caps for his country being omitted altogether.
When you put it in comparison to what Celtic were asking, which was a three-day extension; it’s absolutely nothing.
Australia now have a player who is sitting keeping one eye on Glasgow while he is to train with the rest of his Australian teammates.
Should Celtic get a negative result at Ibrox, there could be resentment from Rogic over the unfair move.
He could retire from international football until their FA see sense.
Can’t change it. Toms happy he’s back in Oz. Please move on. And Celtic have the players to make the midfield tick for a few games. If Oz procced further.