11 Aug 2014 17:10:53
Hi ED,

Out of interest, IF (emphasis on IF) Celtic did support Legia in their claim that the punishment for the rule infringement was (in the view of CFC) too draconian and IF Celtic came out publicly and ventured the following statement .

"In the interests of sportsmanship and fair play, the Celtic family acknowledge and respect Legia Warsaw's view that the "penalty" for rule infringement in this case seems wholly disproportionate, and if the opportunity existed for Celtic FC to forfeit their place in the 3rd and final qualifying round for the Champions League and volunteer Legia Warsaw as their replacements (with Celtic FC entering the Europa League in place of Legia Warsaw with no re-draw in either competition sought), Celtic FC would support UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to re-apply the "penalty" in such a way that permits Legia Warsaw to progress to the 3rd and final qualifying round for the Champions League, notwithstanding Celtic FC will compete to the highest standards possible no matter the final appeal process determination(s)."

Now I know that this will involve Maribor and whoever Legia were scheduled to play and I know rules are rules and I know that CFC is a business BUT (BUT!) I am simply wanting to now what the reaction would be among my fellow Bhoys (and you Ed.), if this scenario where to unfold.

I am not looking for any feedback beginning with "it won't or can't happen" . that has been done to death.however I would be very interested indeed to hear the views of the masses on such a scenario where it to unfold .

Would we welcome such a bold move?

1.) 11 Aug 2014
11 Aug 2014 18:36:31
If Celtic released that statement I would be extremely annoyed. Celtic as always complete the paperwork correctly. I wouldn't have batted an eyelid if the walkover score was actually 2 nil and Celtic went out but it's not. The rule just so happens to go in Celtics favour, now when it comes to Europe - Celtic - in recent history don't get much luck. It is a second chance that through no fault of our own we will accept gladly. The situation would be differently thought of by me if it were lawyers from CFC who discovered the 'loophole' or blaitant rule break what ever you would perceive it as.

2.) 11 Aug 2014
Utter nonsense. Rules are there to be followed, they broke them end of story.Remember one thing, if the guy had came on and scored we would be out.Why on earth would you even consider a replay? If Forster had not saved the penalties we would be out.This is Legias problem it has nothing to do with us.Do you really think if the roles were reversed they would have sanctioned a winner take all one off game?

3.) 11 Aug 2014
So are you only looking for replies that say "it can happen"?
Try this reply: "It won't happen. It can of course happen in theory but it won't happen." And because of that it's a nonsense question to begin with (no offence intended).
And why should it happen anyway? If we had done something wrong then there would be an option to do something in return but that isn't the case. We are more lucky than a lucky thing in Lucky Street on this occasion. Perhaps it's better we just get on with it.

4.) 11 Aug 2014
Paradiseone, I agreed with you the other day, but your topics are gone beyond ridiculous, all the what if's,, well at this stage you sound like the legia chairman, we did not make the rules, there uefa's decision go to there forum with that cr*p you come up with, as much as our board are greedy sh*t* and take us supports for every penny and don't reinvest and always short change us for the last decade, there is a topic. As for celtic fc we done nothing wrong so please move on!

5.) 11 Aug 2014
11 Aug 2014 19:26:31
Does anyone know when the appeal is being heard? I know they said 5 days but do they count Saturday and Sunday in that, or is it 5 working days?

6.) 11 Aug 2014
Total and utter nonsense. Why would anyone no matter what team they supported be in favour of giving their place up? You mention celtic family and fair play, what about celtics right to fair play?

Legia have no one to blame but themselves. It was legias fault they never followed rules and are out of CL.

What kind of example is that setting if Legia were allowed back in? Not a good one as intergeity of game will be compromised.

7.) 11 Aug 2014
Appeal is on Wednesday 13th .

If Celtic issued a statement like that they would deserve to be asked not to enter any forth coming UEFA competitions . Rules have to be maintained .

8.) 11 Aug 2014
Well said Yourman. I also think if they did issue statement like that, expect to see demands for Lawwells resignation

9.) 12 Aug 2014
The question intent is nice but there are so many reasons why it is not a viable position. Our directors would be open to legal penalties for failing to what is in the best interest of their shareholders. That alone precludes any action which is morally fair.