A CONTROVERSIAL qualifier between Celtic and Linfield over the Twelfth is now expected to take place on July 14 after extensive consultation between the two clubs and the PSNI.
The clubs are set to meet next month, provided Linfield beat La Fiorita of San Marino in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
The game, initially scheduled by Uefa to be played midweek on either July 11 or 12, would have seen Celtic's large travelling support arriving in Belfast over the Twelfth demonstrations, sparking fears of crowd trouble.
The Scottish giants enjoy a huge following in Ireland and are supported mainly by the nationalist community while Linfield has a mainly unionist support base.
Next month's expected fixture will be the first ever meeting between the sides.
The PSNI and security advisers for both clubs are said to have ruled out the midweek dates because of tensions around the marching season and potential over-stretching of police resources.
Uefa officials have agreed the unusual step of allowing the match be staged on an alternative date because of the unique set of circumstances.
The fixture, should Linfield qualify, will now take place at Windsor Park in Belfast on Friday, July 14.
