KR Reykjavik have provided Celtic with a timely European boost after they stated that they’re confident their Champions League qualifier can be played in Glasgow.
The Icelandic outfit are due in Scotland next week for the first qualifying round of Europe’s premier club competition.
There has been some dubiety over whether the game could be played at Celtic Park due to travel restrictions. However, so long as KR can arrive on their own charter flight then they’re confident that the game can be played at the right venue.
Speaking in comments published by the Daily Record, club spokesman Sveinbjorn Thorsteinsson seemed upbeat about their arrangements.
“We are still working on it as the rules are we need to go on a private plane from our national airport, but it should not be a problem. The regulations of UEFA say you cannot go on a normal flight. You need to take a charter. I think we are going to be fine.
“We are intending to have around 30 people coming on the aeroplane. We believe the tie is Tuesday, so we will fly on Monday.”
Celtic could do with minimal travel after recent events
Regardless of where the game is played, Celtic should be beating Reykjavik. Worst case scenario, it’s played at a neutral venue and the Hoops would still be overwhelming favourites.
However, after recent events with Boli Bolingoli, Celtic really don’t need the hassle of travelling if they can avoid it. After all, it’s not out of the equation that games in Scotland get postponed. If that is indeed the case, the last thing we need is journeys away from home that may exert energy if matches are rearranged as quickly as possible.
So this is a timely update for the club. It’s good to see that the Icelandic side are doing as much as possible to ensure the game is played at the venue for which it was drawn. That’s decent sportsmanship from KR.
It remains to be seen what happens should we progress into the second qualifying round. Celtic would then be up against either Djurgarden or Ferencvaros. It would be a lot riskier playing either of those sides on neutral grounds.
However, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be a problem for the Reykjavik tie. That’s at least some good news in a week where we could use some.
In other news, a Scottish Government spokesman has sent out an ominous warning after Boli Bolingoli’s quarantine breach.
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