Clancy and no VAR on Sunday, today’s deadline day for Europa League tickets

Clancy is set to take charge of Sunday afternoon’s Glasgow Derby clash, with Brendan Rodgers’ men aiming to strengthen their defence of the silverware they lifted over theRangers at Hampden last December. The 41-year-old referee will be supported on the line by experienced linesman Ross Macleod and David Dunne.

Last month, Clancy oversaw Celtic’s 3-0 victory against Livingston at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership.

During the last campaign, he was the referee for five of Rodgers’ side’s domestic fixtures, covering league encounters with Ross County, Dundee United and Hearts, along with League Cup ties against Hibernian and Aberdeen.

As VAR is not implemented in the Scottish Championship, the quarter-final will proceed without it, offering a reminder of how matches were officiated in previous seasons before the technology was introduced. This will seem unusual for Celtic supporters who will, fingers crossed,  be able to finally celebrate a goal without VAR intervening.

Celtic have only played one game to reach the quarter-final of the competition and that was in August against Premiership newcomers Falkirk.

The Premier Sports League Cup holders swept aside John McGlynn’s side at Celtic Park, winning the encounter 4-1 courtesy of Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, Dane Murray and an OG from Falkirk defender Liam Henderson after some quick feet from Yang.

Managed by former Celtic right-back Mark Wilson, the Jags advanced from the group stage of the competition in impressive fashion, winning all four of their matches to secure a last 16 spot, with victories over lower league opposition; Ross County, Stranraer, Queen of the South, and Edinburgh City.

Wilson’s men earned a 2-0 victory over Scott Brown’s Ayr United in the Last 16, sealing their place in Sunday’s meeting with Celtic at Firhill which kicks off at 3:30pm.

Meanwhile Celtic season ticket holders have until 5pm today to secure their seat at Paradise for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. The 4-match package gives supporters access to the Hoops’ games against Braga, Sturm Graz, Roma and Utrecht at Celtic Park.

Celtic’s four home matches in the Europa League are as follows:

• Thursday, 2 October, Braga (H), kick-off 5:45pm
• Thursday, 23 October, Sturm Graz (H), kick-off 8pm
• Thursday, 11 December, Roma (H), kick-off 8pm
• Thursday, 29 January, Utrecht (H), kick-off 8pm

Season Ticket holders can buy a four-match package for the Celts’ UEL games at Celtic Park online now with no additional booking fees, prices are as follows

• Adult – £140 (£35 per match)
• Concessions – £112 (£28 per match)
• Under 13 – £100 (£25 per match)

Please note that season ticket holders on the Home Cup Ticket Scheme (HCTS) will have their 4-match package purchase processed automatically and will not need to buy online.

Conor Spence

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!