O’Neill back in dug-out for UEFA Cup tie

Ian Rodgers

European football’s governing body UEFA have agreed to hear O’Neill’s appeal against a two-game ban after his dismissal by French referee Claude Columbo in the first leg at Parkhead at the start of next year. The decision means O’Neill’s punishment will be suspended until the appeal is heard, leaving him free to stand on the touchline in Spain.

A UEFA spokesman said: “The appeal over Martin O’Neill will be held at the start of next year. O’Neill will now be allowed to sit on the bench for the UEFA Cup tie at Celta Vigo on Thursday.” The news offers some light relief for O’Neill after recent problems. The Hoops were beaten 3-2 by Rangers in a crucial Scottish Premier League game at the weekend before the former Leicester manager lambasted a BBC reporter for questioning his team selection at Ibrox.