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07th Aug 2014

A Champions League lifeline for Celtic? Legia Warsaw investigated for fielding ineligible player

That sound you can't quite hear is thousands of Bhoys fans crossing their fingers.

Tony Cuddihy

That sound you can’t quite hear is thousands of Bhoys fans crossing their fingers.

Celtic may have earned a Champions League reprieve with the news that Legia Warsaw are being investigated by UEFA for fielding an ineligible player – full-back Bartosz Bereszynski – in the third qualifying round.

Berszynski came on in the 86th minute of last night’s second leg, which Legia won 2-0. They won the tie 6-1 on aggregate.

A statement from the Polish club reads…:

“In connection with the match second leg third qualifying round of the Champions League Celtic FC – Legia Warsaw, UEFA opened an investigation on the participation by Bartosz Bereszyńskiego.

“Club prepares relevant information and explanations which will be sent to UEFA today.

“The result of the investigation will inform immediately after its completion.”

According to sports governance experts Robert T Blaszczak, Bereszynski was suspended after being sent off in a tie last season, but because he wasn’t registered in time for the St Patrick’s Athletic clash to serve his suspension, the ban should have held over for the clash against Celtic.