Celtic have hit out at the SPFL and Police Scotland after it was confirmed their Premiership campaign will kick off on a Monday night.
Opening match details
The Hoops have revealed that they will begin their quest for six-in-a-row at 7:30pm on Monday, August 3, with the SPFL set to release the top-flight fixtures today. Martin O'Neill's side will host the last match of the opening weekend due to Commonwealth Games events taking place across the road at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome.
Reasons for scheduling
Superstar DJ Calvin Harris is also playing two sold-out gigs at Hampden on the same weekend, leaving police and stewarding resources thin. The Parkhead side have hit out at the lack of planning made by the authorities to accommodate their flag day ceremony on either the Saturday or Sunday.
Earlier kick off secured
They also revealed they successfully argued the case for the Celtic Park showdown to be brought forward to 7:30pm instead of 8pm to help travelling fans.
Club statement
A club statement read: "Celtic Football Club has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the forthcoming league season. With the fixtures being officially released today, it is important that supporters are aware of this as early as possible and the background to this decision, which is outwith our control."
"Clearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing. We have made repeated representations to Police Scotland and to the SPFL to avoid this scheduling, however, surprisingly, we have been told that there is no choice owing to Police Scotland being unable to support the fixture on a weekend which co-incides with other events."
"Through positive dialogue with the SPFL and Sky Sports, however, it has been agreed that in recognition of the demands placed on our travelling supporters, particularly from Ireland, the kick off will be brought forward to the earlier time of 7.30pm from the previously designated 8pm start, something which is significant for travel connections."
"While it will never detract from the team’s phenomenal and most deserving achievement, we feel strongly that a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture."
"Regardless of these disappointing circumstances we will still ensure that this a very special day for our supporters as we celebrate our fifth consecutive Premiership title."
