CELTIC fans will be hoping Barcelona superstar Neymar is somewhat distracted when the clubs meet in the Champions League encounter at Parkhead later this month.
A Spanish judge has accepted corruption charges against the Brazilian for irregularities regarding his transfer to Barca, opening the way for a trial involving the international star and his parents.
Club supremo Josep Maria Bartomeu and former president Sandro Rosell are also set to stand trial after a complaint brought by Brazilian investment group DIS.
DIS was entitled to 40 per cent of Neymar’s transfer from Brazilian club Santos in 2013, but said it received a smaller compensation than it should have because part of the transfer fee was concealed.
With yesterday’s ruling by National Court judge Jose de la Mata, prosecutors will have 10 days to formalise their request for a trial.
The ruling was expected after prosecutors won an appeal to keep the case alive two months ago.
Neymar was unstoppable against Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Nou Camp in September when he scored the crucial third goal shortly after the interval with a curling free-kick that flummoxed Dorus de Vries.
That led to Celtic’s worst-ever defeat in European football with Lionel Messi helping himself to a hat-trick, Luis Suarez collecting a double and Andres Iniesta blitzing in another.
The Hoops will be looking for revenge when Naymar and Co arrive in the east end of Glasgow on November 23 in a crucial game for Rodgers’ men as they bid to remain in European competition beyond Christmas.
And it was just over 4 years ago that Barcelona discovered that miracles do happen in Paradise.
