Celtic could be given Champions League reprieve as UEFA launch investigation into eligibility of Legia Warsaw player

Celtic could be handed a sensational Champions League reprieve on Friday morning with Legia Warsaw accused of fielding an ineligible player against the Scottish champions.

Henning Berg’s side advanced to the play-off round after winning the home and away legs on a convincing 6-1 aggregate.

But a UEFA disciplinary meeting will be convened before the European draws in Nyon on Friday to decide if Celtic should be awarded a 3-0 second leg victory - and advance on away goals - after Legia fielded defender Bartosz Bereszynski for the final three minutes of Wednesday night’s win in Edinburgh.

VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Ronny Delia following Celtic's defeat on Wednesday



Reprieve: Celtic have refused to accept Legia Warsaw's pleas to give up their place in the next round

Red-carded against Cypriots Appollon Limassol in a Europa League game last season, Bereszynski was supposed to serve his suspension in UEFA competition this season.

Unregistered for the second qualifying win over St Patrick’s Athletic, however, the first opportunity to serve his ban came with during the Celtic tie. His late appearance as a substitute in the second leg was reported to the governing body by the UEFA match delegate on Thursday afternoon resulting in his eligibility being investigated this morning.

Legia now face an anxious wait to learn if they will be expelled for what they describe as a ‘misunderstanding’.

Celtic confirmed on Thursday night they knew of the developments following communication but stressed they had not initiated the investigation and would make no comment until after this morning’s outcome.

Heat is on: Deila (left) sitting beside assistants John Collins and John Kennedy has suffered an horrendous start as Celtic boss following the Hoops failure to reach the group stage

A UEFA spokesman confirmed: ‘We can say that we found out about this situation on Thursday afternoon.

'It was a UEFA delegate who found out about it. Our disciplinary committee is meeting tomorrow morning to make a decision on it. If a player is found not to be eligible Legia Warsaw would forfeit the tie 3-0 and Celtic would go through on away goals.’



However Legia Warsaw spokeswoman Elizabeth Kus says the Poles will fight tooth and nail to stay in the competition.

‘This is the result of a misunderstanding,’ she said. ‘We have already seen comments appear which threaten us with expulsion, but this is absurd. UEFA have only asked us to explain.’



News of the incredible development came after a statement on the official Legia website read: ‘The club announces that in connection with the second leg third qualifying round match of the Champions League Celtic FC v Legia Warsaw, UEFA have opened an investigation on the participation by Bartosz Bereszynski.

‘The club is preparing relevant information and an explanation which will be sent to UEFA today.

‘The result of the investigation will be communicated immediately after its completion.’

In an incredible twist this could be the second time in three years Celtic have been gained a UEFA reprieve following an ineligibility row.

In September 2011, Swiss club FC Sion were expelled from the Europa League for fielding ineligible players. Sion won the qualifying tie 3-1 on aggregate, but following an appeal from Celtic, UEFA awarded the Parkhead club a 3-0 victory for each of the home and away legs of the tie which sent them into the group stages.