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CELTIC last night demanded assurances from Qarabag over the state of their pitch after shock news emerged from Azerbaijan that Wednesday’s game could be in doubt.

Parkhead chiefs swung into action after the stunning information broke from Baku with security chief Ronnie Hawthorn on site to provide up-to-date bulletins.

Ronny Deila and his squad are set to jet-out from Glasgow Airport this afternoon for the second-leg crunch in the Azerbaijan Capital.

However, Celtic were shocked to discover the playing surface at The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, where Qarabag will play the game, is in such a state the game could be in danger.

Local media in Baku reported that over 30 per cent of the National Stadium pitch is completely unplayable having been scorched by extreme weather temperatures.

With some other sections uneven and the company that maintain the pitch admitting it has no chance of recovering in time for Celtic’s visit, there are concerns.

Qarabag had already looked at moving the game to Baku’s Bakcell Arena stadium, but were denied permission as countrymen Qabala play a Europa League tie at that alternative venue the following night against Apollon Limassol and UEFA insist clubs must train in the same stadium 24 hours before the match.

(Image: Action Images)

Hawthorne jetted out to Baku on Saturday morning and Record Sport understands he has confirmed to Celtic hierarchy that the pitch is in a bad way.

The head of security has spoken with Qarabag over the issue and a Celtic spokesman said last night: “We are aware of the issue as regards the pitch in Baku.

“At the moment, we are seeking reassurances over the quality of the surface.”

With prestige and a £20million jackpot on the line in the second-leg, Celtic must now anxiously await updates on the levels of repair and UEFA will also be involved.

Celtic are still scheduled to go today, but concerns over the playing surface are the last thing Deila and his players need with searing temperatures and a hostile home crowd also to contend with during the game.

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UEFA have regulations in place for the cancellation of matches in European football both before the visiting teams depart or if it is called off when they are in the country.

Their Article 11.01 states: “If the home club finds that a match cannot take place, for example because the field is not fit for play, the home club must notify the visiting club and the referee before their departure from home and the UEFA administration at the same time.

“In this case, the match must be played at another venue and/or on another date as decided by the UEFA administration after consultation with the home club (for the venue) and with both clubs (for the date).”

And if UEFA’s refereeing team wait until Celtic arrive in Azerbaijan and then call it off, UEFA state: “If any doubt arises as to the condition of the field of play after the visiting club’s departure from home, the referee decides on the spot whether or not it is fit for play.

“If the referee decides that the match cannot commence, for example because the field is unfit for play, the match must be played either the next day, or on a reserve date or other date set by the UEFA administration.”

(Image: Daily Record)

But it would be difficult to see an unplayable pitch recovering in 24 hours, plus Celtic have to face Partick Thistle on Sunday in the Premiership.

It’s not the first time Qarabag have had problems with their pitch.

Last year, they had to urgently call in an English turf company in Maryport to sort it out ahead of a Europa League tie with St Etienne.

Deila, meanwhile, will make a late decision on Charlie Mulgrew’s travel plans as he fights to recover from a knee injury.

The defender has missed the last two games and is a big doubt for Baku.

Deila expects Leigh Griffiths, who limped off with a calf knock in the weekend win over Ross County, and Nir Bitton to be fit for the tie.