Scottish Premiership side Celtic confirmed it will "not take supporters to Belfast" should it face Irish side Linfield in a Champions League qualifier, according to the BBC. Linfield faces Sammarinese side SP La Fiorita in the first qualifying round, with the winner facing Celtic. However, the first leg was due to be played on July 12 "at the height of the marching season in Northern Ireland." Citing safety concerns, Celtic said, "No tickets will be available for Celtic supporters for the match." In a statement on Friday, Celtic said, "Following security concerns raised by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Celtic has taken part in discussions with Linfield and the PSNI over recent days. While there can be an option to reverse the fixtures if both clubs agree, during discussions, Linfield made it clear that they did not wish to reverse the tie and they wanted play their home leg first" (BBC, 6/23). The PA reported the original dates would have taken Celtic to Belfast "at the height of the marching season" on July 11 or 12. That "sparked fears of trouble among the club's supporters and Linfield's loyalist fans." After talks with PSNI, it was decided to move the match to July 14, with a 5pm kickoff (PA, 6/23).
