Celtic missing out on the Champions League would be poetic justice for Euro flag bearers Rangers - Hotline

Celtic thought they were set to sail off into the distance with a £40million Champions League bonus for winning the Premiership title - but might the Yellow Submarine be set to torpedo those dreams?

Villareal’s shock emergence as potential kings of Europe after dumping out Bayern Munich to claim a place in the last four is now putting Parkhead hopes of a group stage slot under serious threat.

Should the La Liga outfit go all the way, Unai Emery’s men could snatch away automatic qualification from the team crowned Scotland’s champions.

Mind you, the whole thing could well be avoided if UEFA's ban on Russian teams is upheld into next season.

But that didn't stop Rangers fan Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, who couldn’t hide his excitement over the unexpected turn of events.

He said: “What a kick in the haw-maws for Celtic and their fans it would be if Villarreal claim the Champions League group stage slot.

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“To Rangers fans, that would be poetic justice given it has been our side who have been the better European team, carrying the flag for Scotland.”

Stefan Lomako, Whithorn, added: “Rangers, Celtic and Villareal are involved in serious chess games which could completely alter their European qualification