Parkhead unlikely to host Ireland WC games
Monday, 5 January 2004 10:24A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council has poured cold water over the notion of Parkhead being available to host the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying home games.
The FAI have been forced to look outside Lansdowne Road for the qualifiers, as Ireland must play in an all-seater stadium.
Reports last week suggested the FAI and representatives from Celtic football Club were in preliminary discussions about the possibility of using Celtic's ground for the games against the likes of France, Switzerland and Israel.
However, this plan seems dead in the water now following a report in Monday's Irish Examiner. A spokeswoman for the City Council pointed out that Scotland could be playing home games in Hampden Park on the same weekends, and she couldn't see the police allowing two internationals in the city on the same weekend.
She also pointed out police concerns over sectarian tensions being exacerbated by Ireland playing at Parkhead.
Ireland still have options, however, with Manchester United also declaring an interest in hosting the games. Meanwhile, Croke Park could become a possible venue for the FAI if the GAA decide to open up their headquarters to other sports at the association's Congress in April.
Filed by Ciarán Walsh
