A CROWD safety expert has branded security preparations ahead of Linfield’s clash with Celtic this week a "textbook example of how not to handle the situation."
Friday’s Champion’s League qualifier at Windsor Park has already been rescheduled once due to safety concerns.
It was originally booked for July 12 – the height of the loyalist marching season.
In a further bid to play down concerns of disorder and hostility among fans, on advice from the PSNI, Celtic opted not to take up their allocation of tickets for the game.
The match has also been scheduled to kick off at 5pm, earlier than typical European qualifiers.
Many have pointed out, however, that tickets are still available to Celtic fans via third-party resale websites and entry into the stadium will be virtually impossible to police.
In a statement, the PSNI said the match "will be policed appropriately and proportionately".
"We will continue to work with all our partners to ensure a safe event and environment for everyone and showcase Belfast as a first class European football venue," they said.
Crowd safety expert Andrew McQuillan, son of former PSNI chief Alan McQuillan, said he had "significant concerns" about safety preparations ahead of Friday’s game.
"The problem is Celtic thought the best way to handle this was just to not let travelling fans go. But, from experience, they must have realised this wouldn’t be the case," he said.
"Fans routinely get banned from European games, but that doesn't stop them going.
"I would have significant reservations in relation to how fans will get safely to and from the stadium, because there’s just so many avenues for the police to cover."
Mr McQuillan said "full lockdown mode" - closing down all the streets around Windsor Park - wouldn’t be an option for police as this would virtually shut down much of the city.
"The situation we’re in now is managing potential disorder – not preventing it," he added.
"Should [Linfield] decide to ban Celtic colours from the stadium, then there will be trouble at the gates for any Celtic fans trying to gain entry.
"If I was in charge of safety I would be making a last ditch effort to accommodate Celtic fans and let them in."
In a statement, a Celtic spokesperson said: "No tickets will be available for Celtic supporters for the match.
"The safety and security of all Celtic supporters travelling and attending matches is of paramount importance to the club."
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said the club was "disappointed" Celtic did not take up their ticket allocation.
"It was their decision and we respect that but we remain disappointed," he added.
It is unclear if travelling Celtic fans will be placed in segregated seating if they have a valid ticket and attempt to gain entry to the stadium.
Linfield did not respond to a request yesterday for a comment on the specifics of the security measures for the match.
