Celtic Express Disappointment Over Monday Title Defence Opener
Quick Look
- Celtic FC expressed disappointment as their Scottish Premiership title defence begins on a Monday, August 3rd, due to the Commonwealth Games and Calvin Harris concerts impacting weekend scheduling.
- The club made "repeated representations" for a weekend fixture but were told it was unavoidable.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Celtic FC will begin their Scottish Premiership title defence on a Monday evening due to scheduling conflicts with the Commonwealth Games and Calvin Harris concerts, prompting disappointment from the club.
Celtic have voiced their disappointment after it was announced they will start their Scottish Premiership title defence on a Monday evening, due to a combination of the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.
The Scottish champions say they made "repeated representations" to the SPFL and Police Scotland to ensure a weekend fixture but were told there was "no choice" but to have their opener against Dundee on 3 August (19:30 BST).
There will be Glasgow 2026 cycling events at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena - next to Celtic Park - over the weekend of 1 and 2 August, while Harris will stage two large concerts at Hampden on the same days.
"We feel strongly a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture," added Celtic, who said they had negotiated an earlier kick-off time to help fans travelling from Ireland.
The 2026-27 term begins on Friday 31 July, with Dundee United hosting Rangers.
Hearts - last term's runners-up - visit Aberdeen on the Saturday, with Falkirk and St Mirren also meeting that day.
Open Questions
- Will Celtic appeal the decision further?
- What are the specific impacts on fan travel?
