Legia probe offers Celtic Champions League hope
CELTIC were last night given hope of an extraordinary Champions League reprieve after their conquerors Legia Warsaw revealed that they are under investigation for fielding an ineligible player.
The Polish title winners said European governing body Uefa was probing the participation of full-back Bartosz Bereszynski, who only came on as a substitute for the final two minutes as Legia beat Celtic 2-0 to complete a 6-1 aggregate win on Wednesday night at Murrayfield.
Uefa rules state that Celtic would be awarded a 3-0 second-leg win if Legia are found guilty – a result that would level the tie at 4-4 on aggregate and send the Scottish champions through to the next qualifying round on away goals. The draw for the final play-offs before the competition’s group stage takes place today.
Legia said in a statement: “Uefa has opened an investigation on the participation by Bartosz Bereszynski. The club is preparing relevant information and explanations, which will be sent to Uefa today. The outcome of this case will be informed immediately after it’s completion.”