Celtic opponents Rennes nearly renamed their stadium Celtic Park four years ago

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Celtic begin their Europa League group stage campaign tomorrow when they take on French side Stade Rennais. 

The Bhoys will be hoping to find success in Europe after mixed form in recent years, following on from their progression from the Group Stages of the competition last season. 

Rennes, however, will not be easy opponents. The French side are currently second in Ligue 1 and pulled off a shock win over all-conquering PSG earlier this season. 

Celtic will, therefore, have to be their best especially at Rennes’ home ground, Roazhon Park.

What many Celtic fans do not know, is that they might have very nearly been playing this game at another Celtic Park. 

Back in 2015, Rennes were completing an overhaul of their home stadium and in doing so were looking for a name change. 

As reported by L’Equipe, one of the final three options up for consideration was Celtic Park. The name was chosen to reflect the club’s Britanny heritage and the ‘Celtic Kop; that already exists at the stadium. 

Celtic fans will be pleased that instead, they went with Roazhon, the Breton name for Rennes. It leaves the Parkhead based Celtic Park as Celtic’s one of a kind arena. Celtic fans will just hope their side get to celebrate in front of the Celtic Kop in France tomorrow night.