Despite being handed the chance to make a strong start to their defence of the Scottish Premiership title, Celtic have hit out at the timing of their opening game.
The defending champions traditionally celebrate ‘flag day’ at home and generally on a Sunday. However, Celtic will play Dundee on Monday, August 3, at 7.30 pm.
The club has issued a strongly worded statement, claiming that the authorities have refused to facilitate the staging of the game on the Sunday.
“We have made repeated representations to Police Scotland and to the SPFL to avoid this scheduling,” a club statement read.
“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 coincides 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 7.30 pm from the previously designated 8.00 pm 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 is a very special day for our supporters as we celebrate our fifth consecutive Premiership title.”
Opening fixtures give Celtic the chance to make a flying start
SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie defended the decision, claiming that the closing weekend of the 2026 Commonwealth Games prevented Celtic from playing at home on the Sunday.
Regardless of the row over the first fixture at Parkhead, Celtic have a golden opportunity to make a quick start to the 2026/27 campaign. Their first six fixtures are as follows:
- Celtic vs Dundee – August 3
- Kilmarnock vs Celtic – August 9
- St Johnstone vs Celtic – August 22
- Celtic vs Falkirk – August 29
- Celtic vs Aberdeen – September 2
- St Mirren vs Celtic – September 5
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The opening fixture against Dundee is the definition of a ‘home banker’, with Celtic winning 91 of their previous 127 league meetings at Parkhead (D24, L12).
The Hoops also have an impressive record at Kilmarnock, winning 72 and drawing 30 of their previous 126 visits to Rugby Park.
St Johnstone were a cut above the rest in the Scottish Championship last season but are expected to struggle on their return to the top flight.
Home games against Falkirk and Aberdeen are also winnable, while the trip to St Mirren on Matchday 6 should hold no fears for Martin O’Neill’s side.
Given that Celtic face four teams who finished in the bottom half last season and a newly-promoted side in their first six games, they should make a fast start to the new campaign.
Collecting 18 points is not beyond the realms of possibility and would set Celtic up perfectly for the first Glasgow derby of the season on September 20.
Celtic were unbeaten in their first seven league games last term (W5, D2) and will be eager to make an even better start this time around.
With O’Neill in charge from the outset, the Hoops look a good bet to win the Scottish Premiership for the sixth consecutive season.
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