CELTIC have slammed the SPFL in a critical statement on the day of the new league fixtures being released.
The schedule for next seasonâs game was officially unveiled this morning but Hoops chiefs arenât happy with one date in particular.
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They are fuming that the traditional flag day game, which would normally take place on a Saturday at the home ground of the reigning champions, has been moved to a Monday night.
Last year they hosted St Mirren at home in a 4.30pm kick-off, with the match broadcast live on Sky.
We reported yesterday that there was a possibility Celtic could be forced to alter their plans and prepare for a Monday night opener, or an AWAY game.
And itâs now been confirmed that they will start their season at home on the Monday at 7.30pm.
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The Parkhead club released a statement in hour BEFORE the SPFL officially announced the schedule.
In it, they blasted the later kick-off and told of how they had to negotiate a different start time to minimise travel disruption, particularly for fans getting home.
Celticâs statement read: âCeltic Football Club has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the forthcoming league season.
âWith 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.
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âClearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing.
âWe 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.
âThrough 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.
âWhile it will never detract from the teamâs 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.
âRegardless 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.â
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The schedule for next seasonâs game was officially unveiled this morning but Hoops chiefs arenât happy with one date in particular.
Advertisement
They are fuming that the traditional flag day game, which would normally take place on a Saturday at the home ground of the reigning champions, has been moved to a Monday night.
Last year they hosted St Mirren at home in a 4.30pm kick-off, with the match broadcast live on Sky.
We reported yesterday that there was a possibility Celtic could be forced to alter their plans and prepare for a Monday night opener, or an AWAY game.
And itâs now been confirmed that they will start their season at home on the Monday at 7.30pm.
Advertisement
The Parkhead club released a statement in hour BEFORE the SPFL officially announced the schedule.
In it, they blasted the later kick-off and told of how they had to negotiate a different start time to minimise travel disruption, particularly for fans getting home.
Celticâs statement read: âCeltic Football Club has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the forthcoming league season.
âWith 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.
Advertisement
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âClearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing.
âWe 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.
âThrough 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.
âWhile it will never detract from the teamâs 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.
âRegardless 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.â
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