Cops aim to force a switch to Hoops tie
From Back Page Nyon threw up the powderkeg clash in Belfast on the proposed dates of July 11 or 12 – if the Irish side beat San Marino’s La Fiorita.
Both clubs immediately ruled out a clash on the 12th but PSNI want to go further and switch the legs.
Linfield are believed to be against the plan which could see them lose a fortune in TV revenue and ticket sales.
A first leg in Belfast will generate huge interest but if Brendan Rodgers’ side win heavily in a Glasgow first leg, the Belfast match becomes a dead rubber.
The police can demand the switch with the blessing of UEFA and both clubs are expected to sit down with PSNI in the next 48 hours with a decision expected no later than Friday.
Cops fear they won’t have the resources to police a July 11 fixture with all the extra patrols needed during the Orange Order parades the night after.
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern was delighted with the draw despite the obvious security concerns.
He said: “From a football point of view it is fantastic and I’ve had initial talks with Celtic representatives about the game.
“We must play La Fiorita first and won’t get ahead of ourselves but it is vital to start thinking about arrangements now for a potential blockbuster tie.”
Celtic fans could get as many as 6500 tickets for the Belfast clash in 18,000-capacity Windsor Park, the North Stand of which offers the only proper segregated area for visiting supporters.
McGivern said: “We haven’t decided how many Celtic fans will be here but the obvious scenario would be to have them in the North Stand.”
PSNI Operations Superintendent for Belfast, Norman Haslett, said: “We are aware of the possibility of a Belfast fixture next month between Linfield and Celtic. We are in discussions with UEFA and Linfield about the details.”