Alan Brazil
A sad state of affairs for the game in 2017
IT was the tie that immediately untied itself.
As soon as it was drawn, I knew it was a non-starter.
Everybody who knows the score on these things knew it too – even if it was only a possibility rather than a certainty.
Linfield versus Celtic in Belfast on July 12. Never in a million years was that going to take place.
Trouble wouldn’t have been likely – it would have been an absolute, cast-iron certainty.
For that reason, I’m glad the clubs, the Northern Irish police and UEFA have agreed that, should Linfield get past La Fiorita in the first round, Celtic’s visit to Windsor Park will now take place on July 14.
There is still no guarantee that conflict will be avoided.
It could still all kick-off – and kick-off big style. Turkey can play each other in Europe – as they did when Olympiakos met Besiktas in the Europa League in March – then Scottish and Northern Irish clubs have no excuse.
The prospect of a Linfield-Celtic tie was inevitably going to provoke controversy as soon as it was drawn.
It’s a naturally dramatic tie – the sort of thing fans love.
But amidst all the back and forth and all the hullaballoo – and I admit I’ve been swept up too – it’s important to remember that it all might be for nothing!
It’s unlikely, but former Rangers man David Healy’s Linfield might not get past the first round.
Granted, their opponents are minnows from San Marino, whom nobody believes will progress.
But there’s still a wee chance that Linfield’s big moment could be wrecked.
Nobody at Celtic would admit it publicly, but I reckon there will be a few who would breathe a sigh of relief if that was the case.
Not because they fear Linfield could spoil their Champions League dream. There will be no worries about that.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have just gone an entire domestic season unbeaten and bagged a historic Treble to boot.
It’s the powder-keg nature of the fixture that stands out – and fears over what could happen off the park rather than on it.
Every possible precaution has already been taken, even before the game is confirmed.
All we can do now is wait and see what happens – and hope for the best.