CELTIC HAVE BEEN handed an unlikely Champions League reprieve this morning.
UEFA have decided to punish Legia Warsaw for fielding an ineligable player by kicking them out of the tournament.
The Polish side hammered the Scottish champions 6-1 on aggregate.
An investigation was launched by the European football chiefs after it emerged that Bartosz Bereszynski — an 86th minute sub in the 2-0 win in Edinburgh — should not have played.
After a red card in a game against Cypriot side AEL Limassol last season, Bereszynski was given a three game suspension. However, it appears the problem arises from the uncertainty surrounding whether or not he was listed as being in the squad for the either leg of their tie with St. Patrick’s Athletic in the previous round.
A UEFA statement reads: “Legia have been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player (article 18 of the UEFA Champions League regulations and article 21 of the Disciplinary Regulations). The match has been declared as forfeit meaning Legia Warszawa have lost the match 3-0.
“As a consequence, Celtic have qualified for the UEFA Champions League play-offs on away goals (agg: 4-4) and Legia will compete in the UEFA Europa League play-offs.In addition the player Bartosz Bereszynski has been suspended for one additional UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible.”
What do you think of the decision?
