Celtic have been reinstated in the Europa League after Uefa expelled Sion from the competition.

Sion, who are likely to appeal the verdict, fielded several ineligible players during their 3-1 aggregate win over Celtic in the play-off round.

A Celtic spokesman said: "We have been advised by Uefa that the two protests relating to the matches against FC Sion have been upheld.

"As a result of which each match has been forfeited in favour of Celtic."

Celtic will therefore take Sion's place in Group I, which also features Atletico Madrid, Rennes and Udinese.

Sion signed five players while the club were still under a transfer ban imposed by Fifa after breaching rules over the signing of Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary three years ago.

One of those players, Pascal Feindouno, scored two goals in the 3-1 second leg win over Celtic in Switzerland.

However, a Swiss court had earlier ruled in their favour and the players concerned have been playing domestic football this season.

Uefa's control and disciplinary body made Friday's ruling and Sion have three days upon receipt of written notice of the decision to lodge an appeal with the governing body.

If such an appeal were to fail, Sion could take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport who maintain they are the final voice.

Earlier in the week, the Sion president Christian Constantin had been confident of preserving his club's place in the competition.

He told BBC Scotland: "The bottom line is that we are in the right. There's no doubt.
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"It's just that there are cases where Fifa want to take unilateral decisions by force rather than by just means.

"Uefa approved the list of players we submitted, but now, because of pressure from Fifa, they're trying to find justification for making us forfeit the tie.

"We will battle fiercely to avoid losing the case. Fifa may try to mask the facts, but that won't be easy."

Constantin, who also alluded to the possibility of a civil court case, added that Celtic were "within their rights" to lodge their protests.

The Celtic spokesman added: "We are pleased by this decision, the approach which has been taken by Uefa and the fact that Uefa rules and regulations have been upheld. We are also grateful for the support of the Scottish FA in this matter."

I know Sion shouldn't be there, but truthfully nor should Celtic. Does this affect the spots for next year? :(

Because Sion won 3-1 so therefore your in by default, not on performance.

As far as the record books go Celtic won 6-0 non aggregate.

The legendary german striker D.Folt with a hattrick in either leg, such a hero.

Very quiet man, just goes about his business. So much so that the fans don't even realise he's on the pitch sometimes.

They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind
By: Paul Cuddihy on 05 Sep, 2011

EIGHTY years ago today, on Saturday, September 5, 1931, Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson received a serious head injury while playing against Rangers at Ibrox. He died later that evening in hospital, having never regained consciousness after the accident.

The death of a footballer in his prime is thankfully rare, and even rarer on the field of play. Even after this length of time, John Thomson's untimely death at the age of just 22 remains one of football's great tragedies.

His memory, however, has been kept alive by the Celtic Family, the people of Fife and genuine football fans of all persuasion, who acknowledge the talent John Thomson had, and the tragedy of his death.

Over 40 supporters took part in the John Thomson Pilgrimage over the weekend, setting out from Celtic Park on Friday morning to walk the 55 miles to Cardenden where the Celtic legend is buried.

They completed the journey on Sunday, a day which began with the annual John Thomson Memorial Football Tournament for primary school children in the local area, and ended with a short but moving ceremony at John Thomson's graveside.

And tonight sees the opening of a stage play, The Prince - The Johnny Thomson Story, at the King's Theatre, Glasgow, an occasion that is sure to be a poignant one, given today's anniversary.

John Thomson was a young goalkeeper who had already established himself as the first choice for his club and country, and with a long and distinguished career seemingly ahead of him, when he died.

He was renowned for his bravery and fearlessness, and his dive at the feet of the Rangers forward Sam English as the player went to shoot was visible evidence of those virtues. As English shot, John Thomson's head took the full impact of the Rangers player's knee, leaving the goalkeeper unconscious and his head bleeding. He died later that same evening in hospital.

Thomson's death stunned football, and was particularly hard-felt by everyone connected with Celtic. Some 40,000 people attended the funeral in Cardenden, including thousands who had travelled through from Glasgow, many walking the 55 miles to the Fife village, and Thomson's coffin was carried by his devastated team-mates.

James Hanley, in his book The Celtic Story (1960) wrote: "It is hard for those who did not know him to appreciate the power of the spell he cast on all who watched him regularly in action. 'A man who has not read Homer,' wrote Bagehot, 'is like a man who has not seen the ocean. There is a great object of which he has no idea.'

"In like manner, a generation that did not see John Thomson has missed a touch of greatness in sport, for which he was a brilliant virtuoso, as Gigli was and Menuhin is. One artiste employs the voice as his instrument, another the violin or cello. For Thomson it was a handful of leather. We shall not look upon his like again."

Thomson was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife on January 28, 1909, and like many of his contemporaries, had started his working life as a teenager down the pits.

He signed for Celtic in 1926 at the age of 17, having been spotted playing for Wellesley Juniors by Celtic scout Steve Callaghan, who had also alerted the club to the talents of a certain Jimmy McGrory.

Celtic paid £10 for the young man who would go on to become known as the Prince of Goalkeepers, and by the age of 18 he had already made his first-team debut against Dundee at Dens Park in a 2-1 win for Celtic.

During his short time as Celtic goalkeeper, he won two Scottish Cup medals - in 1927 when East Fife were defeated 3-1 and in 1931, when Celtic beat Motherwell 4-2 in a replay, having drawn the first game 2-2.

International recognition followed on the back of his impressive displays for Celtic, and Thomson gained four caps for Scotland and four for the Scottish League.

A quiet and unassuming character off the park, once on the field of play Thomson had a natural athleticism aligned to a brave spirit and impressed all who had the privilege to see him play.

In his book, The Story of the Celtic; 1888-1938, Willie Maley, manager of the club at the time of the tragedy, wrote: "Among the galaxy of talented goalkeepers whom Celtic have had, the late lamented John Thomson was the greatest. A Fifeshire friend recommended him to the club. We watched him play. We were impressed so much that we signed him when he was still in his teens. That was in 1926. Next year he became our regular goalkeeper, and was soon regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in the country.

"But, alas, his career was to be short. In September, 1931, playing against Rangers at Ibrox Park, he met with a fatal accident. Yet he had played long enough to gain the highest honours football had to give. A most likeable lad, modest and unassuming, he was popular wherever he went.

"His merit as a goalkeeper shone superbly in his play. Never was there a keeper who caught and held the fastest shots with such grace and ease. In all he did there was the balance and beauty of movement wonderful to watch. Among the great Celts who have passed over, he has an honoured place."

Certainly the death of John Thomson hit the club - the officials, players and the supporters - hard and had an understandably adverse effect on subsequent performances over the next couple of seasons. Indeed further tragedy was to hit the club just two years later when Peter Scarff, who had played in that fateful game, died from tuberculosis at the age of just 24.

John Thomson's memory has lived on with Celtic supporters over the past 80 years in story and song, and fans still visit his graveside in Fife to pay their own respects.

And the John Thomson Memorial Committee hold an annual football tournament when children of all denominations in the Cardenden and Kinglassie areas play for the 'The John Thomson Trophy'.

The final thought on the tragic events of 80 years ago today, on September 5, 1931, is to remember the epitaph on John Thomson's gravestone, which reads: "They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind."

http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=1511

That may be so, but who says that result would have been the same if they hadn't fielded 6 illegal players? Fair enough we got beat, but we were beaten by an XI that should not have been playing. Simple as that.

So yeah, that's fine, we're in on default, but don't give me that shit about not deserving to be there.

Pascal Feindouno only scored once in the 3-1 win so anyway Sion would of been through with a 2-1 result ;) . Anyway I kinda like Celtic as a club.

Pascal Feindouno only scored once in the 3-1 win so anyway Sion would of been through with a 2-1 result ;) . Anyway I kinda like Celtic as a club.

Celtic continue to hold a place in the Europa League after Sion's battle to be reinstated was dented by a local Swiss court's ruling it had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

Swiss club Sion had brought a case against Uefa in Valais district court, which has now ruled the proceedings are "inadmissible".

Sion were kicked out of the competition after Neil Lennon's Celtic complained about the club fielding players signed while they were subject to a transfer ban.

A statement from the Valais court said: "According to applicable law, the dispute does not have sufficiently close links with the canton of Valais to have a basis of jurisdiction with the local judicial authorities Valais.

"The measures sought by the applicant were exclusively against Uefa, who have headquarters in Nyon."

Sion have until 11pm on Thursday to appeal against Uefa's decision to award Celtic the place in the Europa League group stage.

Celtic will discover if their Europa League reinstatement stands on Tuesday - two days before their scheduled opener against Atletico Madrid - after Sion submitted an appeal against their expulsion late last night.

UEFA confirmed an appeal hearing would be heard on September 13, the day before Celtic had planned to fly to Spain.

Sion had revealed on Monday they planned to appeal and UEFA were expected to convene a panel today, but the delay throws up even more uncertainty for the affected clubs and Celtic fans hoping to travel to Spain.

Sion, who were thrown out for fielding ineligible players, will take their case to UEFA's appeals body after the control and disciplinary body ruled against them last week.

The Swiss club, who beat Celtic 3-1 on aggregate in the play-offs, would have one more conventional avenue of appeal if their second UEFA hearing fails.

The Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport would be able to overturn UEFA's decision if they found in favour of Sion.

But the club's controversial president, Christian Constantin, has vowed to take on the governing body in the civil courts, although their first attempt failed yesterday.

Sion failed with an attempt to overturn the decision in their own regional court, with the Valais district chamber ruling it had no jurisdiction over Nyon-based UEFA.

However, the club later revealed that "many civil proceedings" were in progress, and could be more successful at the court in Vaud, where UEFA are based.

Constantin last night revealed a civil action on behalf of the six players had also failed but he stated that another case could be brought under different terms.

He told STV: "It's not finished. We might not make it to Madrid but perhaps after that the justice system might ask the competition to stop and allow our re-integration.

"You can start the competition and then a judge might say stop.

"There are four things yet to be seen, two tribunals that still need to give their verdicts for Sion, the re-trial of the players and the decision to call UEFA."

Earlier this week, Sion claimed UEFA's decision had been based on "pure revenge" against their president.

The Swiss side were handed a transfer embargo for breaching rules over the signing of Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary three years ago but the club and FIFA have different interpretations over the length of the ban.

Sion have already won a civil court ruling over the issue, which prompted their domestic football authorities to allow them to field the affected players.

And the club are adamant UEFA gave them the green light to play them on the back of that decision.

The players include former Hearts defender Jose Goncalves and midfielder Pascal Feindouno, who scored two goals as Sion beat Celtic 3-1 in Switzerland following a goalless first leg.

Celtic played both legs under protest and officially complained to UEFA after their defeat.

Sion were also drawn against Udinese and Rennes in Group I before being removed from the competition.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/215596,sion-challenge-celtic-reinstatement.aspx

Celtic starlet Islam Feruz has agreed to join Chelsea, his agent has confirmed to skysports.com.

Feruz has just turned 16, but instead of signing a first professional contract at Parkhead he is instead moving south to England.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers have all been linked but Chelsea have always been leading the chase and they have secured a deal.

The Somalian-born forward, who has been capped by Scotland at youth level, has agreed terms with Chelsea and Celtic will be due training compensation.

"It is a massive step for Islam and for Scottish football," his agent Rui Alves told skysports.com.

"Now for him personally it is the beginning of a major adventure, he will have to work, work and work and raise his own level.

"Playing for a top club like Chelsea, where the major word in the squad is quality, will oblige him to show his own quality and deliver his best and convince the staff that he is more than just a major prospect."

Alves admits that there was little doubt he would join Chelsea after they impressed him so much.

"The first impression was extraordinary, it is a feeling that the whole club is behind him, they will support him on a daily basis and give him total trust and make him believe," he continued.

THE UEFA Appeals Body today rejected FC Sion's appeal against their expulsion from the group stages of this season's Europa League.

Celtic were reinstated to the competition, and will take on Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes. The first match takes place this Thursday, September 15 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid.

ANTHONY STOKES was injured in training yesterday and is OUT of Celtic's Euro crunch with Atletico Madrid.

Boss Neil Lennon is now sweating over the fitness of the striker for Sunday's Old Firm clash.

Stokes damaged his groin at Lennoxtown as the Hoops prepared for the Europa League opener and the Irish hitman will now not even travel on the team flight to the Spanish capital this morning.

Instead Stokes, 23, will stay in Scotland and undergo treatment to the injury in a bid to be passed fit for the visit to Ibrox.

Parkhead sources have described him as a major doubt for the first Glasgow derby of the season.

After all Tommy Burns and the club did for him, this is pretty poor, but at the same time, I can't blame him, considering the amount of interest he was generating. Hopefully the move doesn't stagnate his potential.

Celtic take on Atletico Madrid in their first Europa League group encounter following the European reprieve.

The Scottish giants were reinstated into the tournament following Sion's expulsion for fielding ineligible players in their play-off win over the Bhoys.

Celtic are missing key duo Scott Brown and Anthony Stokes for the trip to the Vicente Calderon due to injury with Bhoys boss Neil Lennon hoping to have the pair available for this weekend's clash with Rangers.

On-loan defender Badr El-Kaddouri is cup-tied, while Emilio Izaguirre remains on the sidelines with a serious ankle injury.

Central defender Daniel Majstorovic is suspended after being sent off in the play-off second leg in Sion.

Striker Mohamed Bangura, who was expected to make his first start following his arrival from AIK Stockholm, is doubtful after he sat out training on Wednesday after picking up a groin injury.

Lennon could decide to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress with the Northern Irishman admitting Sunday's trip to Ibrox is his priority.

Atletico, who won the Europa League in 2010, have won both of their previous European meetings with Celtic and they will be keen to get their Group I campaign off to a winning start.

Summer signing Radamel Falcao, who finished as top scorer in the Europa League last season with a record 17 goals for Porto, will lead the line for the Spanish side.

Former Arsenal man Jose Antonio Reyes is also expected to start, while summer signing Diego could also come into contention for a place in the starting XI.

On-loan signing from Chelsea - Thibaut Courtois - is set to continue in goal for Gregorio Manzano's troops

Manager Neil Lennon remains hopeful of Celtic's chances of progress in the Europa League despite defeat in their opening group match.

Celtic went down 2-0 to Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.

"If we play as well as we've done tonight more consistently then we'll give ourselves a good chance," Lennon told reporters.

"We played we very well after a poor start. I'm hoping the players will take something from the performance."

Radamel Falcao headed the Spanish side ahead from a corner early on and Diego finished well to double the lead after the break.

"Losing a goal from a set piece is very disappointing from our point of view," said Lennon.

"But we gathered ourselves, straight away we could've equalised, Gary Hooper's in and against teams of this ilk away from home you've got to take your chances.
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I don't think there'll be any hangover from tonight. It's a game the players are relishing and looking forward to

Celtic manager Neil Lennon looks ahead to Sunday's Old Firm derby

"The second goal came probably in our best spell of the game. They've certainly got the pedigree to win it.

"Atletico are an excellent side and you are going to concede possession at times but I thought there were a lot of very positive performances out there.

"I'm not happy about losing the game but there's positives for us to take out of the game."

Midfielder Gabi picked up a booking for a challenge on Celtic's Georgios Samaras and Lennon believes the Spaniard was fortunate not to receive more severe punishment.

"I thought Gabi was very fortunate to stay on the pitch," said Lennon.

"There was a tackle just on the edge of the box where it looked to me like a second yellow and even the one on Samaras when he was breaking forward was very cynical and that could be deemed as a red card never mind a yellow.

"He just took him clean out and that's maybe the cynical side of the game that we maybe should do more ourselves. We were a bit honest at times, a bit too honest."

Elsewhere in Group I, a late winner by Pablo Armero helped Udinese beat Stade Rennes 2-1. The Italians visit Glasgow on 29 September.

Lennon's thoughts now turn to Sunday's first Old Firm match of the season against Rangers at Ibrox.

"I don't think there'll be any hangover from tonight," he added.

"It's a game the players are relishing and looking forward to and I'm looking for a similar kind of performance."

Not a bad result.
Should give the team confidence for home legs

Please tell me you are not serious ! 2 nil totally flattered them !