CELTIC MULL OVER LINFIELD ‘SWITCH’
Euro second round first leg could be at home to avoid Irish sectarian flashpoints
CELTIC’S Uefa second round Champions League qualifying tie against Linfield could be switched so the first leg is played at Parkhead.
Police chiefs have voiced their concerns about the policing of the fixture, a game that takes place at the height of the Orange Order marching season in Belfast, a traditionally fraught time in the city. Tensions around the marches and the nature of their routes require full policing meaning that having the game on July 12 in Belfast was always going to appear unlikely given the serious reservations of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
It is believed that Celtic’s preference would be to play the opening leg in Glasgow with the
aim being to take some of the sting from the tie as well.
PSNI Supt Norman Haslett said: “We’re in discussions with Uefa and Linfield.”
Speaking after the draw, Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said: “We 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 obviously best for us.
“At this stage the first leg would be on July 11, potentially with an early kick-off, but there are discussions going on at home now with the PSNI to see how that would be managed.
“Celtic are relaxed about it and they seem happy to play in Belfast on July 11. But from a football point of view it is fantastic.
“I had lunch with Celtic’s representatives after the draw 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 now for a potential blockbuster tie.”
Linfield are delighted to have the potential of such a money-spinning tie which could be broadcast live on TV.
McGivern added: “I’m sure a live TV deal will be discussed, too. I don’t remember the last time one of our European ties was on live.
“I keep stressing, we have two very important games before a potential tie with Celtic but it is the best draw we could have hoped for.
“They’ve had a great season and of course there is the Brendan Rodgers factor, too. It’s incredible.”