Oh dear.
Northern Irish side Linfield have set up a potential Champions League second-round clash with Celtic, following the draw for the preliminary rounds on Monday.
Should Linfield get past their San Marino opponents LA Fiorita, they will take on Brendan Rodgers’ side, with the first leg taking place during the week of the 12th of July, the traditional Ulster Protestant celebrations in Northern Ireland.
So, that’ll be Celtic, the team strongly associated with the Catholic side of Glasgow, playing against Linfield, who draw most of their support from the unionist side of Belfast. At Windsor Park. On July 12th.
It was something that wasn’t lost on social media users on Monday morning.
In other news, if Linfield beat San Marino champs they play Celtic – in week of July 12. Doubt any of their players will be on hols for that
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) June 19, 2017
I mean, Linfield v Celtic in Belfast in the middle of July, what could possibly go wrong?
— Chris Holt (@HoltChris) June 19, 2017
Sweet jesus Celtic face Linfield. Wouldn't want to be in Belfast that night!
— Kevin Galvin (@kjgalvin93) June 19, 2017
Possibly Linfield at home in Ireland v Celtic on the 12th of July…. oh my words.
— Rachel Lynch (@Rachel_Lynchx) June 19, 2017
Celtic Linfield pic.twitter.com/FQsCqqlNLl
— Rikos (@Rikos67_) June 19, 2017
Here’s the full draw:
Vikingur (FRO) v Trepca 89 (KOS)
Hibernians FC (MLT) v FCI Tallinn (EST)
Alashkert FC (ARM) v FC Santa Coloma (AND)
The New Saints FC (WAL) v Europa FC (GIB)
Linfield FC (NIR) v SP LA Fiorita (SMR)
First qualifying round matches will take place on 27/28 June & 4/5 July
Second Round
Apoel vs F91 Dudelange
Vilnius vs Ludogrets
Qarabag vs Samtredia
Partizan vs Buducnost Podgorica
Hibernians/Talinn vs Salzburg
FC Sheriff v FK Kukesi
FC Astana v Spartaks Jurmala
FC Bate Borisov v Alashkert/FC Santa Coloma
MSK Zilina v FC Kobenhavn
Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC v Budapest Honved
HNK Rijeka v The New Saints/Europa FC
Malmo vs Vardar
Zrinjski Mostar vs Maribor
Dundalk vs Rosenborg
Linfield FC (NIR) / SP LA Fiorita (SMR) v Celtic
IFK Mariehamn v Legia Warszawa
Second qualifying round matches will take place on 11/12 & 18/19 July
