Murrayfield to host Celtic’s Champions League ties

CELTIC will play European games at Murrayfield later this year, it was confirmed today.

Celtic will play their 2014/2015 Champions League Qualifiers at Murrayfield. Pic: Neil Hanna

The Scottish Ruby Union released a statement confirming the venue will host the Glasgow club’s Champions League qualifying fixtures with Celtic Park being used for the Commonwealth Games along with Hampden,

It is proposed that the first two qualifying rounds will be held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, and the SRU said Celtic Football Club has already had advanced discussions with the management of Murrayfield Stadium.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Commercial Operations, Communications and Public Affairs, Dominic McKay, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Celtic Football Club to Murrayfield for their UEFA Champions League Qualifying matches this summer, one of the biggest annual sport competitions.

“Scottish Rugby is proud of the facilities we have on offer in Edinburgh. This is a fantastic opportunity for Celtic to work with us to promote Murrayfield as a venue not just for rugby, in 2014.”

The Parkhead side will continue to liaise with supporter groups and all other relevant authorities going forward.

Celtic Football Club Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, said: “Clearly we very much hope to be involved in the Champions League qualifying matches in July and early August and if this is the case then we felt it important that our fans know our proposed arrangements as early as possible.

“We are fortunate that we have such a fantastic and sizeable support and clearly it is important that we allow as many fans as possible to attend our matches.

“Murrayfield is a magnificent stadium, it is the obvious choice and we are sure it will be a venue which will provide a great footballing occasion. We will keep our supporters well informed of all potential arrangements as we move forward.”

A club has to play all its home matches at the same ground in the competition.

Hearts played European games at Murrayfield between 2004 and 2006 as Tynecastle did not meet Uefa requirements.