O’Neill calls for UEFA common sense in dismissal decision

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill yesterday called on UEFA to use common sense when dealing with his touchline dismissal against Celta Vigo last week.

French referee Claude Colombo sent the animated boss to the stand in the final minutes of his side's UEFA Cup third round win over the Spanish side. He has since cited ''unsporting behaviour'' from O'Neill for his decision, and UEFA have asked O'Neill for his response.

If found guilty the Celtic boss could be looking at a four-match touchline ban following his sending off in Turin last season.

But he is still pleading his innocence ahead of next week's return leg in Spain and is hoping UEFA will take no further action against him.

O'Neill said: "I think it's relatively straightforward because they have had the referee's report and the official in the stand was asking for our response to it. We didn't actually know what they said, but I think the comments are of unsporting behaviour and they are now asking for our particular comments.

"The referee did say in his report that the minute he did send me off then I did go without any sort of fuss and I am hoping common sense will prevail.

"There were a number of mistakes made out there by everyone, myself included, but I know I didn't move out of my technical area which is the offence I committed against Juventus.

"I only hope that common sense will prevail and I just hope people look at it in light of the last couple of the minutes of the game and are aware that tensions were running high."

Even if Celtic make it through to Europe beyond Christmas for the first time in 23 years, O'Neill admits there is not a lot of money available for the January sales.

The Scottish champions are set for a cash windfall should they get into the fourth round, but he concedes he has no chance of signing the likes of top target Kleberson.

"I think a lot of things depend on the Celta Vigo game. If we are good enough and fortunate enough to get through and it's a big if then we can put it on the back burner because it doesn't materialise until the early part of the year.

"If we are still involved with European football then we will know that we will get more than our fair share of injuries. The fact we wouldn't be able to do anything about it (when the transfer window shuts) will make every single club look into what might be happening in January.

"I would say it (Kleberson deal) is unlikely to be resurrected because it was a loan deal at the time."