Cetic v Sion

By Graham Barnstaple
September 3 2011

Celtic are back in the Europa League thanks to UEFA’s decision to throw Sion out the competition.

Sion won the tie 3-1 on aggregate but fielded a number of ineligible players after breaking a transfer embargo. Five of the players who played against Celtic had been signed during the signing ban.

This will mean Celtic going into a group that includes, AthleticoMadrid, Udinese andRennes. Not the easiest of groups, and a bit unfair on Celtic who would have been seeded higher than Sion in the draw.

While there is some delight atCelticParkat the moment, this is not yet over with Sion about to appeal the decision. They feel they are in the right as the players can play in Swiss domestic football.

Many are saying it is a bit unfair to get back into the competition through the “back door”, but I don’t think we can afford not to look this gift horse in the mouth. If Celtic can produce two or three magical European nights atCelticParkit can only help the rest ofScotlandif it improves our co-efficient.

But I guess as the reporter outside the court building always says, “the case continues”.