Despite three weeks of saying otherwise Linfield will allow Celtic fans in to watch today’s Champions League second round qualifier.
Just over 10,000 tickets have been sold for the 18,000 capacity stadium with the pound coming way before crowd safety.
It’s believed that more than a thousand Celtic fans bought tickets for various parts of the ground expecting Linfield to come to an arrangement.
Most fans were considering the risk of whether to go to the game or watch the match in West Belfast but now they will be accommodated in the Kop stand.
Just before noon today the Belfast side announced: “Linfield Football Club has worked closely with all relevant authorities to ensure that tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Celtic is played in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Both clubs have made public requests that Celtic fans do not purchase tickets for the game. Despite this, some fans may have purchased tickets for the match with the intention of supporting Celtic.
“In this event, they should only proceed to the Stadium via the Boucher Road and then, under the instructions of Stewards and the PSNI, to the Kop Stand. These supporters should arrive at the stadium after 3.30 pm to ensure access to the game. Celtic fans will not be admitted to any other part of the ground and Linfield fans should not enter the stadium from the Boucher Road.
“No further tickets for tonight’s game are available and we would urge all spectators to behave in a respectful and sporting manner.”
Up until yesterday Linfield had been selling tickets to anyone prepared to pay with the latest development showing the club’s only interest is financial with the safety of fans a distant second.
