Rumour Mill: Champions League | Celtic OBA

Scotland is faced with the prospect of being forced out of the Champions League. Picture: Robert Perry

Doncaster to attend Champions League summit

Neil Doncaster will fly to Geneva next week to take part in a crisis summit in the hope of saving Scotland’s pathway into the Champions League.

The SPFL chief’s visit comes after Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell issued a private warning to Scotland’s top flight over the potentially grave consequences of a lock out from the most lucrative club competition in Europe. (Record)

Celtic call for OBA act to be scrapped

Celtic yesterday released a statement calling for the legislation which is used to decide offensive behaviour at football matches to be scrapped.

It read:

“We have consistently opposed this legislation from the outset as it has been used to create a general presumption that different laws should apply to football supporters as distinct from society as a whole.

“We reiterate our position that the Act should be repealed.

“We encourage and promote positive behaviour within football at all times and welcome any attempt to do likewise.

“However, this Act is unworkable, and once again we call for it to be repealed in the interests of all football supporters and football clubs.”

Rangers close in on title as Hibs stumble again

Mark Warburton expressed his delight at what he believes was a clear declaration of intent from his players as Rangers opened up what now appears an unassailable 14-point lead at the top of the Championship. (Scotsman)

Ronny Deila in no rush over Roberts

Celtic manager Ronny Deila says he will settle Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts into the Parkhead set-up slowly.

The 19-year-old recently joined the Bhoys on an 18-month loan deal but to date he has played just eight minutes in Celtic’s first-team after coming off the bench against Inverness Caledonian Thistle last month.

“The agreement is that he comes to us and we try everything we can to develop him as much as possible,” he told celticfc.net. “If he’s good enough for the team then he plays and, if not, he sits on the bench.

6 things you should know about Hearts signing Perry Kitchen

Craig Fowler brings us the lowdown on Hearts’ new USA international midfielder. (Scotsman)

Kenny McLean: Aberdeen can stay unbeaten to end of season

Kenny McLean is convinced Aberdeen can win all of their 11 remaining matches this season but the midfielder accepts that still might not be good enough to prevent  Celtic retaining the Premiership title. (Scotsman)

Five things we learned from Hearts 2 - 0 Inverness CT

Craig Fowler reflects on a fairly comfortable win for Hearts, who appear to have broken out of their mini-slump. (Scotsman)

Tierney delighted with progress at Celtic

Celtic’s teenage defender Kieran Tierney is glad to have developed into a 90-minute man.

The 18-year-old left-back has earned rave reviews since ousting Honduras international Emilio Izaguirre this season. However, Tierney, a product of the Hoops’ academy, insists he does not yet feel established and is simply happy at being still on the pitch when the final whistle blows. (Irish News)

Man charged over Magennis abuse

A man has been arrested and charged as part of an investigation into alleged racial abuse of Northern Ireland international and Kilmarnock footballer Josh Magennis. (Various)

Celtic on the hunt for Izaguirre replacements

West Ham defender Stephen Hendrie is reportedly a transfer target for Celtic as they begin searching for a replacement for Emilio Izaguirre, who is set to make a switch to the MLS. (Record)

Celtic fans to hold ticket protest

The Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs will protest outside Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park on March 19.

The fans’ group say Celtic fans are charged more than supporters of other clubs in the league. (CQN)

Rumour Mill: Champions League | Celtic OBA | Rangers close in on title