There may be an interesting fixture sub-plot that concerns Celtic developing with UEFA.
As we know, Neil Lennon’s men clinched top spot in Europa League Group E with Thursday’s 3-1 success against Rennes. One of the many perks of topping your section is that you get to play the second leg of your round of 32 tie at home. All clear so far?
Our rivals from across the city are still in with a chance of winning their Europa League group, and if they managed that then they would be afforded the same benefit.
But here’s the problem. Both clubs can’t play in Glasgow at the same time. The police would never allow it. It’s not even worth debating. So if Rangers do beat Young Boys in their final match, and top the group, just what will UEFA do?
The Portuguese precedent
Well, the governing body have set a bit of a precedent already this season. You may recall Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal playing a game against Portuguese side Vitoria at a rather inconvenient time – 3:50pm on a Wednesday afternoon.
FourFourTwo gave the reasons behind the bizarre start, saying that it was down to Vitoria’s local rivals Braga already playing on the Thursday night. Given that there’s only around 20 minutes between the two stadia, it was felt that the Arsenal game should be moved to ease congestion.
So they moved the Gunners a day earlier. But UEFA broadcast rules prohibit Europa League matches from clashing with their Champions League counterparts. Hence the afternoon kick-off.
Would they do the same with Celtic or Rangers?
The precedent has certainly been set, but it’s hard to imagine a last 32 match being played at Celtic Park on a Wednesday afternoon at 2:30ish – earlier enough to finish in time even in the event of extra time or penalties.
Another option they could have at their disposal would be to flip one of the ties, so that the Glasgow team plays at home first. However, that wouldn’t go down well with one team who would feel they were unfairly disadvantaged.
UEFA have been able to keep ourselves and Rangers’ fixtures well apart so far. Whenever we’ve been at home, they’ve been away, and vice-versa. But things become a whole lot harder when you’ve promised two teams a home game on the same night and police don’t allow it.
Of course, this conversation will probably end up being pretty pointless. Steven Gerrard’s men will likely bottle it as they often seem to do.
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