Celtic refuses to give European spot to Legia

Celtic were reinstated to Europe's elite competition on Friday after Legia was found to have fielded an ineligible player during its 6-1 aggregate win. (Keystone, Salvatore Di Nolfi/AP)

GLASGOW –Celtic has rejected a plea by Legia Warsaw to give up its place in the Champions League playoffs in favour of the Polish team.

Celtic were reinstated to Europe’s elite competition on Friday after Legia was found to have fielded an ineligible player during its 6-1 aggregate win against Celtic in the third qualifying round.

Legia chairman Dariusz Mioduski published an open letter on his club’s website Sunday, urging Celtic not to “destroy the beautiful legacy that you inherited from the past generations” and “settle this matter honourably.”

Celtic has replied in a short statement, saying it is “disappointed” by the comments adding it “is entirely a matter for UEFA and its processes.”

Bartosz Bereszynski entered as a substitute for Legia in the second leg despite not completing a suspension.

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