Concerns raised over Linfield tie

CELTIC’S prospective Champions League qualifier with Linfield was shrouded in confusion last night with the Police Service of Northern Ireland set to demand a switch of dates to ensure the game in Belfast has adequate security. Brendan Rodgers’ side will play the Northern Irish champions in the second qualifying round, provided Linfield first see off San Marino minnows La Fiorita. As things stand, Celtic are due to travel to Belfast on July 11 with the return leg

scheduled in Glasgow the following week. Representatives of both clubs met after the draw was made in Nyon yesterday and were content to go ahead with a 5pm kick-off — despite police resources being stretched for the Orange Order parades the following day. Last night it emerged that the PSNI were concerned with that arrangement and will ask both clubs to an emergency meeting to discuss the possibility of playing the first game in Glasgow.

Sportsmail understands Linfield are unhappy with that prospect given the implications it may have for ticket sales for a return that could be a dead rubber. Linfield, managed by former Rangers striker David Healy, would be hopeful of an 18,000 sell-out for the game if the tie is alive but would fear the worst if they first suffer a comprehensive defeat in Glasgow. 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 currently in discussions with UEFA and Linfield FC about the event.’ Speaking before the PSNI intervened, Linfield chairman Roy McGivern claimed neither club had an issue with the first leg taking place at Windsor Park. ‘From a football point of view, it is fantastic,’ he said. ‘I had lunch with Celtic’s representatives and we’ve had initial discussions about the games. ‘Obviously we have a two-legged tie against La Fiorita first and we won’t get ahead of ourselves, but with the second qualifying round so soon after, it is vital to start thinking about arrangements. ‘We’ve also had a chat with UEFA and we had ruled out July 12 for obvious reasons, purely from a practical point of view. ‘Our preference is to play the home leg first, for financial reasons that’s obvious the best thing for us. ‘It is a terrific draw. I keep stressing, we have two very important games before a potential tie with Celtic but it is the best draw would could have hoped for. ‘They were the top team in the draw, they’ve had a tremendous season and there is the Brendan Rodgers factor, too. It’s incredible.’