'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
An appeal by the Polish club
Legia Warsaw have appealed to Celtic to let the two sides decide Champions League progression after the Polish side’s bureaucratic error of fielding an ineligible during a match between the two sides led to their ouster from the competition.
Polish full-back Bartosz Bereszy?ski came on in the 86th minute of the second leg between the two sides with Legia leading 2-0 but had not completed a three-match-suspension since he wasn’t registered for the 4-1 win in the first leg.
Celtic were given a 3-0 forfeit victory and went through on away goals after the revised scoreline stood at 4-4.
Legia Warsaw write Open Letter
Reflecting on Celtic’s “beautiful history ” and alluding to the club’s European triumph in 1967, he asked them to meet for an amicable solution.
“Celtic FC is a legend in European football - the club with an incredible tradition, which since 1888 co-creates the story of the most beautiful game in the world.
At the basis of this legend are not only amazing sporting achievements, but also the determination and commitment to values ??such as honesty and honour."
“Celtic FC wrote one of the most beautiful pages in the history of European football, when in 1967 they unexpectedly defeated in the final of the Champions Cup mighty Inter Milan headed by Helenio Herrera.
“Imagine that Jock Stein and Billy McNeill were deprived of the greatest triumph in their athletic career by completing the application form wrong.
It further says: “Do not destroy the beautiful clubhouse heritage that you have left in the care of previous generations, 'The Bhoys'. I challenge you, would you in the spirit of the game and fair play, and on the basis of Art. 34 paragraph 5 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations of Legia Warsaw took a common position on the Uefa disciplinary bodies. Meet in Warsaw or in Glasgow and let's settle this matter honourably."
Warsaw Owner: Not a rematch
Though it was being misconstrued as a challenge for a rematch, Mioduski confirmed that they are looking for a discussion.
"The word disappointment doesn’t portray our emotions. It is more complete frustration and anger.
"We showed we were the better team over two matches and we find it completely unbelievable that the result of a clerical error – because that's what it was - we were found ineligible and lost the game, and consequently elimination.
“We admit out mistake and we should know better and this is something we need to deal with but at the same time when we look at what was done; the penalty that was received is completely disproportionate and it goes against everything that sport is supposed to be about." he said.
“Our message to Celtic? Be a man and get in touch so we can come to some sort of conclusion like men should.”
Celtic’s response
Celtic responded to Legia's request with the following statement on their website.
“We are disappointed by Legia Warsaw's comments. This is entirely a matter for UEFA and its processes. Accordingly, we will reserve further comment for the appropriate time.”
