John Swinney branded Neil Lennon's defence of Celtic's trip to Dubai 'appalling' and said he is 'lost for words' over claims criticism was politically motivated.
The Education Secretary spoke out when asked today about the recent comments made by the Parkhead boss about how the trip was 'portrayed by certain government officials'.
Lennon held a press conference on Monday where he spoke publicly for the first time since his club returned from a warm-weather training in the Middle East.
The Celtic manager said at the time: "I think that's remarkable and I think it totally blows out the water the way the trip, the training camp has been portrayed by certain quarters of the media, by certain pundits, and by certain government officials as well.
"We did not abuse any 'privilege'. We did the right things. We were absolutely, totally professional."
Swinney previously said he did not think a professional club flying out of Scotland while the rest of the country faced another tough lockdown was a good example.
Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland, the SNP minister was asked what he thought of Lennon's defence of the trip.
Swinney responded: "I am at a loss for words. I said a few weeks ago that it was a bad idea for Celtic to go to Dubai for this trip.
"It was not a great signal. I have no ill will towards Neil Lennon whatsoever but I think his comments were appalling."
The Premiership champions flew out to the Middle East after the defeat to Rangers, having been given permission for the camp by the Scottish Government.
But assistant manager John Kennedy admitted there had been "slip-ups" in social distancing and Christopher Jullien tested positive for Covid-19 on his return.
A total of 13 other players plus Kennedy and Lennon themselves were told to self-isolate as close contacts, with another player testing positive while quarantining.
On Monday the manager faced the media for the first time since returning from his isolation period and the Celtic boss was in a fiery mood.
He hit back at media, pundits and the government just days after CEO Peter Lawwell had publicly apologised for the trip.
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