Celtic's flag day could be moved to a Monday night as the SPFL faces a Premiership fixture headache. The reigning champions might even be forced to play their opening game away from home.
Potential Monday Night Start
Celtic could be forced to begin their quest for six-in-a-row on a Monday night as the SPFL prepares to release the 2026/27 fixtures. As title-winners, the Hoops are due to kick off their Premiership defence at home on the weekend of August 1/2 as they unfurl their record-breaking 56th league flag.
However, Martin O'Neill's side might have to wait until August 3 before they can get their season underway due to Commonwealth Games events at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome. The track cycling competition is being staged across the road from Celtic Park over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the opening weekend.
Resource Stretch
Superstar DJ Calvin Harris is also set to play two sold-out shows at Hampden Park over the same weekend, meaning Police Scotland and stewarding resources will be stretched. The Scottish Sun reports that SPFL bosses have been in discussions with authorities and key stakeholders over the situation.
It's said that one of the potential alternatives is for the Double-winners to play on Monday August 3 once the Glasgow sporting extravaganza has ended. Another option that has not been ruled out is for the SPFL to break with tradition by sending the champions away from home on the opening weekend instead.
Clubs will discover their fixtures for the new 2026/27 season when they are released on Thursday at 12noon.
