Rumour Mill: Celtic face UEFA charge over flags | Rangers wait on Lescott decision

Palestinian flags are waved by Celtic fans during the match. Picture: Getty Images

Watch Celtic supporters wave Palestine flags

Dozens of Celtic fans ignored warnings from police and UEFA and waved Palestinian flags during the match with Israeli side Hapoel Beer-Sheva

Celtic face action after fans ignore flag threat

CELTIC are bracing themselves for UEFA action after several fans ignored warnings from police and displayed Palestinian flags at last night’s 5-2 win over Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Cops had warned supporters they faced arrest if there wasa ‘criminality’ but fans defied warnings to display support for Palestine.

Before the match, a scuffle broke out as Beer-Sheva fans and pro-Palestine supporters met outside Celtic Park. (The Scotsman)

Gers to get Lescott decision in next 24 hours

RANGERS should hear over the next 24 hours whether former England international Joleon Lescott is keen on a move to Ibrox.

Lescott’s manager at Aston Villa, Roberto di Matteo, confirmed that the 34-year-old is ‘looking to move on’ but he wasn’t sure how far along a potential transfer was.

Villa are reportedly set to pay up the final year of Lescott’s £35,000-a-year deal, paving the way for a Rangers switch. (Birmingham Mail)

Graham ‘flattered’ by Hibs interest but focused on Staggies

BRIAN Graham has admitted he is flattered at reported interest from Hibernian but has insisted he is only focused on banging in the goals for Ross County.

Graham said: “I think the two clubs spoke but I’ve not heard anything so I just want to concentrate on Ross County.

“Hibs are a fantastic club but I’m a Ross County player as it stands and I’m focused on that at the moment.” (Evening News)

Paterson ‘won’t be sold cheaply’

CALLUM Paterson won’t be sold on the cheap by Hearts despite being in the final year of his contract, Robbie Neilson has insisted.

Neilson is hopeful of keeping the 21-year-old at Hearts beyond the end of the transfer window but his current contract expires at the end of the season and he is unlikely to sign a new deal.

Hearts haven’t given up hope of persuading him to stay, but Neilson is adamant he won’t leave unless a serious and substantial offer arrives. (Evening News)

Youth development chief calls for quota system

INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle’s head of youth development has called on a quota system to be introduced in Scottish football.

Charlie Christie, father of Celtic midfielder Ryan, reckons a minimum of five ‘home-grown’ players should be included in every matchday squad.

Christie added: “It would make clubs put more resources into their youth systems. It would make managers give young boys a chance at an earlier age.”

“There should be a rule in Scottish football to do it. If we want to make the game better in this country, we need to do something about it.” (BBC Sport Scotland)

Shinnie completes loan move to Hibs

ANDREW Shinnie last night agreed a season-long loan deal with Hibernian.

The Birmingham City midfielder, who has also spent time at Rangers, Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is Neil Lennon’s fourth signing after Ross Laidlaw, Ofir Marciano and Grant Holt. (Various)

Rodgers hails ‘Premier League’ Brown

BRENDAN Rodgers paid tribute to Scott Brown’s performance against Hapoel Beer-Sheva, saying there was ‘absolutely no question’ that the Celtic skipper could play in the English Premier League.

Brown netted in Celtic’s 5-2 win over the Israeli side, with Rodgers adding that he is delighted the former Hibs midfielder wants to stay in Glasgow.

Bronw came in for criticism last season but appears to have rediscovered his mojo under Rodgers. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen have rejected a bid from Inverness CT to take winger Scott Wright on loan

• Joe Garner is expected to complete his move to Rangers on Friday, and is currently attempting to resolve ‘contractual issues’ with Preston

• Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has taken aim at Brendan Rodgers, accusing him of going through a ‘mid-life crisis’

• Rangers U20s were knocked out of the Irn-Bru Cup last night by Stenhousemuir, who won 3-1. Elsewhere Turriff defeated Montrose and East Fife recorded a 3-2 victory over Arbroath

Rumour Mill: Celtic face UEFA charge over flags | Rangers wait on Lescott decision | Striker admits Hibs interest