nov2007

Celtic Football Club is to pay respect to the 100 miners who were killed in the recent mine blast in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.

Before the start of this Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk there will be one minute's applause to remember all the men who died in the tragedy.

The disaster, which happened last week, is the worst in the country's recent history. After the tragedy, the Ukraine observed three official days of mourning. A government commission has since been set up to find out what happened.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly we are aware that this tragedy has had a devastating effect on so many families, in the Donestk region and in Ukraine as a whole.

“We have very good relations with Shakhtar Donetsk, having met the club in two UEFA Champions League competitions and we felt it important and appropriate to make this gesture in support to the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

“We have spoken to UEFA and Shakhtar Donetsk who are delighted that this tribute will be made on Wednesday evening.”

Ukraine's ambassador to Britain, Ihor Kharchenko, will be in attendance at the match.

BENFICA PLAYER BANNED FOR SIX GAMES

Benfica midfielder Augustin Binya has been banned for six UEFA matches over his high challenge on Celtic's Scott Brown.

Binya was sent off following the incident, which happened towards the end of the recent Champions League clash at Parkhead.

Benfica unhappy with ´harsh´ UEFA ban on Binya

Lisbon giants Benfica have hit out at the severity of a six-match ban which UEFA slapped on their Cameroonian defender Agustin Binya.

Binya was suspended for six matches by European football's ruling body on Friday after he was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Celtic's Scott Brown during their Champions League clash in Glasgow on November 6.

The 23-year-old will now miss the UEFA Champions League visit of AC Milan on November 28 and the trip to Shakhtar Donetsk on December 4.

The remaining four-match suspension applies to any future games in UEFA club competition. An appeal may be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.

Benfica released a statement following the news, claiming the ban did not reflect the foul.

"This is a harsh sanction, and is disproportionate," said club spokesman Ricardo Maio on their website www.slbenfica.pt.

"Binya did not oppose the referee's decision. And he was concerned about the other player's condition. Afetrwards he even apologised." After the match Brown accused Binya of trying to break his leg.

Brown said: "I'm all right. It was a bad challenge but I've come through it. I don't think the guy should ever have done that. He obviously tried to do me as hard as possible."

Gordon Strachan wins ban appeal

GORDON Strachan will not face a touchline ban after his appeal against a two-match penalty was upheld by the SFA Appeals Board.

The Celtic manager had originally been hit by a four-game ban following a game at Celtic Park against Hearts in April this year when he was sent to the stand.

That ban was originally halved but, following a hearing by the SFA Appeals Committee today, Friday, November 9, the Celtic boss has been completely exonerated.

A Celtic spokesperson said today: “Celtic is pleased to announce that the Club’s appeal has been successful. The original refereeing decision has been overturned and therefore there will be no ban imposed on Gordon.

“Clearly, we are pleased with this decision which we believe is the correct one.”

Four Celtic players have been named in Alex McLeish's Scotland squad to face Italy in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden on November 17.

Gary Caldwell, Stephen McManus, Scott Brown and Paul Hartley have all been called-up to a squad that contains no surprises. Recent Celts Kenny Miller, Stephen Pearson and Shaun Maloney have also been selected.

Scott Brown's inclusion is something of a miracle, because the horror-tackle he suffered against Benfica on Tuesday could have ended his career. Fortunately his leg was slightly off the ground and he somehow escaped without serious injury.

Scotland will reach Euro 2008 if they beat Italy - and after the results against France anything is possible. A draw would also be enough if Ukraine then drew against France.

With England's overpaid jokers set to miss the tournament, qualification for Scotland would probably see McLeish's side overtake the primadonnas down south in the world rankings.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich), McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders: Alexander (Burnley), Caldwell (Celtic), Dailly (West Ham), Hutton (Rangers), McEveley (Derby), McManus (Celtic), Naysmith (Sheff Utd), Weir (Rangers)

Midfielders: Brown (Celtic), Ferguson (Rangers), Fletcher (Man Utd), Hartley (Celtic), McCulloch (Rangers), Pearson (Derby), Robson (Dundee Utd), Teale (Derby)

Strikers: Beattie (West Brom), Boyd (Rangers), McFadden (Everton), Maloney (Aston Villa), Miller (Derby), O'Connor (Birmingham)

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has paid tribute to the club’s supporters ahead of Tuesday night’s vital Uefa Champions League encounter with Benfica – by saying they don’t need big European games to create a magical atmosphere.

Celtic have been exemplary at home in the competition in recent seasons, their invincibility at Parkhead atoning for their continued inability to produce their best on the road.

But ahead of Tuesday’s visit of the Portuguese side to Glasgow, Strachan insists the club’s fans were also at their best for Saturday’s league game at Kilmarnock.

“The crowd are always good for us. On Saturday I thought they were superb and as a partnership we are good, there’s no doubt about that.

“People talk about the big games, but I thought on Saturday the Celtic fans made the atmosphere.

“They helped us a lot against Kilmarnock and it showed it doesn’t have to be a big European game for them to do that.”