Celtic announce pre-season blow

Celtic’s four match pre-season schedule has been reduced to three with the cancellation of their match in South Korea on July 26.

Brendan Rodgers’ side play in Japan on July 19 and 22 then face Athletic Bilbao on August 1 in the Testimonial Match for James Forrest.

Last week Wolves announced that they were pulling out of their two match trip to South Korea which left Celtic and the local organisers searching for a Plan B.

Now, three weeks before the planned match Celtic have announced:

It is with deep regret that Celtic Football Club has been forced to withdraw from our match in South Korea.

The Hoops were originally due to play English Premier League side, Wolves, later this month, but numerous financial and logistical operations were not met by the tour promoter, and after weeks of delays, the Club has taken the difficult decision to terminate the contract and pull out of the tour.

The Club and the players were excited about visiting South Korea and giving our fans the opportunity to see the team, but unfortunately, due to factors entirely outwith our control, we have been left with no other option than to withdraw from the match.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will head to Japan for two matches against Yokohama F. Marinos (July 19) and Gamba Osaka (July 22) before returning to Lennoxtown to continue their pre-season preparations.

Celtic do have two matches in Portugal next week against Portimonense but they appear to be Closed Doors Matches which could allow additional substitutions.

With no games between July 22 and August 1 it is likely that Rodgers will be looking to arrange a fixture of some sort as he gears up for the competitive action which starts on August 5 against Ross County in the SPFL Premiership opener.