Journalist Steven Beacom has ruled out a July 12 clash between Linfield and Celtic.
Beacom covers Linfield for the Belfast Telegraph and was quick to react to the draw which was made just before 12 noon.
Linfield v Celtic in the Champions League if the Blues beat SP La Fiorita…Healy v Rodgers at Windsor and Parkhead…hold on to your hats!
— Steven Beacom (@StevenBeacom5) June 19, 2017
BREAKING: If Linfield meet Celtic in Champions League at Windsor Park, the game will NOT be played on JULY 12. Both clubs have ruled it out!
— Steven Beacom (@StevenBeacom5) June 19, 2017
Linfield have to negotiate their way La Florita of San Marino with the second leg of that tie coming on July 4.
Celtic will be involved in talks with both clubs but the potential for a July 11/12 visit to Windsor Park will be at the forefront of planning.
The ties could be switched but Celtic would be unlikely to give up home advantage in the second leg while a heavy defeat in Glasgow would kill footballing interest in the Windsor Park tie stone dead.
An afternoon kick off for the Belfast match should take some of the sting out of the encounter with both matches likely to be played without away fans.
On the footballing side the draw seems ideal for Celtic but due to the baggage and connections of their opponents security issues are likely to dominate the build up.
