O'Neill to use video to clear Douglas

Optimistic Celtic manager Martin O’Neill revealed today that he will use video evidence and the police to help him clear Robert Douglas’ name in order for him to play against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

The club have been hit by a goalkeeping crisis for the UEFA Cup fourth round, second leg after he was sent off with Thiago Motta following an unsavoury incident in the tunnel at half-time of Thursday’s 1-0 victory at Parkhead.

But the Irishman, who has tried and failed with past appeals to European football’s governing body, is more confident that with the help of some key witnesses he can get his number one out of jail.

“The police are looking at what might have developed in the tunnel which I very much welcome,” said O’Neill.

“Rab Douglas is feeling pretty distraught because he thought he was going to break up some sort of kerfuffle.

“There were a lot of bodies in that tunnel with about 67 policemen and stewards.

“I have talked to Rab and hopefully if the police look into it that will help us. There was also a camera focused on the tunnel from the other side and we need anything at all to help us.

“Rab has pleaded his innocence and says he was trying to intervene and we’ll have to wait and see also what the fourth official, whose recommendation affected the decision, says.

“I think the police will be called as witnesses but we are not talking about criminal proceedings.

“We have to put in a letter within the next 24 or 36 hours, which we want to do.”