Ex-FIFA ref tells Celtic told how long-haul flight could impact controversial referee’s performance vs Kairat Almaty

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Celtic face their longest trip of the season by some distance when they travel to the far east of Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty.

After Celtic were held to a goalless draw against Kairat in the first leg it is all to play for as both teams look to reach the main phase of the Champions League.

UEFA have appointed controversial referee Maurizio Mariani for the game and just like the Hoops, he will have a long trip ahead of him.

He will also have to find a way to adapt to the climate and former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg has told 67 Hail Hail what Celtic can expect.

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Mark Clattenburg on Kairat Almaty vs Celtic referee will need to prepare

Clattenburg has never reffed a game in Kazakhstan but has had to officiate games that require long-haul flights.

The Celtic players will be flying directly, but the former Premier League and UEFA official revealed it was different for officials.

He told 67 Hail Hail: “Clubs will have encountered these conditions before and have direct flights and have usually their own chefs that will travel with them to make sure their nutrition is perfect for the match. The only issue they will have is sleeping issues with the time difference but I am sure they will have experts to support this issue. We as referees never had that luxury.

“I have never refereed in Kazakhstan but did go to Russia and Azerbaijan which involved its own issues. The time I went to Russia involved three flights, six-hour delay in Moscow to obtain an entry visa and a missed flight. We arrived at 4am into the city, of course tired and not ideally placed, but the excitement and adrenaline got us through the match.”

Celtic have ‘no excuses’ ahead of second leg

Despite the poor showing at Celtic Park, the Bhoys know they will still be the favourites for the tie.

Kairat have proved that teams can adapt to the long distances and Clattenburg believes that Brendan Rodgers’ side can’t use the long flight as an excuse.

“There can be no excuses if Celtic fail to qualify as Kairat Almaty had to do the opposite trip to Glasgow last week and got a creditable draw,” he added.

“The only issue I see with these type of matches is the domestic match that follows after but playing on a Tuesday should allow Celtic players enough time to recover before the weekend.”