Hoops rule out taking fans to Belfast for Linfield clash

Celtic have announced they will not take up their ticket allocation for next month’s possible Champions League qualifier with Linfield.

Uefa confirmed the first-leg tie in Belfast will take place on FridayJuly 14 should the Northern Irish champions make it past San Marino minnows La Fiorita.

The original dates set aside by European football’s governing body would have seen the Parkhead outfit travel to Belfast at the height of the marching season on July 11/12.

That sparked fears of trouble among the Glasgow club’s supporters and Linfield’s loyalist faithful.

But following talks with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, it has been decided to move the clash back to July 14, with a 5pm kick-off.

Celtic have decided the potential for disorder is still too big a risk to take and will not invite their travelling support to follow them across the Irish Sea.

In a statement, Celtic said: “No tickets will be available for Celtic supporters. The safety and security of all Celtic supporters travelling and attending matches is of paramount importance.”