Bhoys reinstated as Sion are thrown out

Celtic manager Neil Lennon (PA)

Celtic have been reinstated to the Europa League after Swiss side Sion were thrown out of the competition for fielding ineligible players.

Sion are likely to appeal, prolonging uncertainty before the Europa League group stage kicks off on 15 September.

Neil Lennon's club said that Uefa's disciplinary panel upheld the Glasgow club's protest that Sion selected five players signed in the off-season in breach of a Fifa transfer embargo. Sion can appeal yesterday's ruling to Uefa, and then take it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Celtic played both legs of the play-off last month under protest. The teams drew 0-0 in Glasgow before Sion won the return 3-1. Pascal Feindouno, one of Sion's disputed signings, scored twice.