CELTIC are poised to play Linfield and Lyon in the space of 22 HOURS after confirming a date for their potential Champions League qualifier.
But Hoops fans won’t be inside Windsor Park on Friday, July 14 after the Parkhead side opted to take no tickets for the clash as the Police (PSNI) cannot guarantee the safety of the traveling Celtic support.
The clash could not take place on the dates specified by UEFA due to the Orange Walks and bonfires – where Celtic items are regularly burned. Someone on CQN called it when he said it was the bigots ‘most bigoty day,’ and that just about sums it up.
Brendan Rodgers will change his side for the two games with fringe men and youngsters given a chance against the French outfit.
Leigh Griffiths backed the decision to let no away fans into the ground of the Northern Irish champions, but reckons it will NOT be the most hostile venue at which he has played.
The frontman said: “I go to Tynecastle – that’s worse than any place I’ve been.
“We know it would be a hostile environment, but if they do get through to face us, hopefully, it’s about us.
“If we put in a professional performance then we can come in with a decent lead and look forward to the home leg.
“When I first went to Tynecastle, I couldn’t buy a win and then we had two draws and a win with Hibs. Ever since, I’ve not been beaten. Good omens.
“We know how Linfield are. It’s one of the games we have to do professionally, get the win and look forward to the home leg.
“There’s been a lot of talk about when the game in Belfast will take place, but that’s showing no respect to the team from San Marino.
“Linfield have to beat them and then we can start talking about our game. Right now we’re jumping a bit far ahead.”
OTHER CQN STORIES ON THIS SUBJECT…
NEVER AGAIN UEFA MUST ACT TO PREVENT FUTURE TIES
THE NEW EDITION OF THE CQN PODCAST ‘ A CELTIC STATE OF MIND’ IS OUT NOW!
The @CQNMagazine podcast ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ with @Lisa_Hague1 on @kcommons15 & more https://t.co/uLkFGWrQXv pic.twitter.com/PbyN230DJd
— Paul John Dykes ⭐️ (@PaulDykes) June 24, 2017
