Celtic head to Warsaw on Wednesday night to face our old foe Legia, whilst at the same time joining the celebration of our former Holy Goalie Artur Boruc’s career. And there is a chance Celtic could be returning there in the Champions’ League Group stages later this year.
Sky Sport’s Anthony Joseph has confirmed Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will compete in this season’s Champions’ League Group stages, but with Ukraine still having to contend with a Russian invasion, alternative arrangements have had to be made out with the country’s borders for European competition – although it appears the Ukrainian domestic league will take place on home soil.
The solution to Shakhtar’s predicament has come from Poland, with Legia Warsaw stepping in to offer their stadium to the Ukrainian champions for use in the Champions’ League Group stages, with Joseph reporting…
‘Shakhtar Donetsk will play their #UCL group matches at Legia Warsaw’s stadium this season.
Stadion Wojska Polskiego lease signed.
Shakhtar fans & Legia season ticket holders can buy tickets – 5% of sales going to the Legia Foundation, which has been helping people in Ukraine.’
Shakhtar Donetsk will play their #UCL group matches at Legia Warsaw’s stadium this season.
Stadion Wojska Polskiego lease signed.
Shakhtar fans & Legia season ticket holders can buy tickets – 5% of sales going to the Legia Foundation, which has been helping people in Ukraine.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 15, 2022
This is a real show of solidarity from Legia Warsaw to both Shakhtar Donetsk and the Ukrainian people. And as we saw with the Ukrainian national teams of both men’s and women’s football in recent weeks, football can play a huge part in maintaining morale and offering a temporary distraction to those in Ukraine having to contend with an unimaginable situation.
With Celtic in Pot four and Shakhtar Donetsk in Pot three for the Champions’ League Group stage draw, then there is a chance both clubs could meet in Europe’s premier competition this season.
If so, Celtic’s jaunt to Warsaw on Wednesday for Artur Boruc’s farewell match, may well be a dress-rehearsal for another visit to Warsaw this season, for an altogether more competitive – and no doubt even more emotional – fixture.
Niall J
