Celtic slam SPFL opening fixture schedule vs Dundee on Monday night | OneFootball

Celtic have criticised Scottish Premiership bosses for scheduling their opening fixture of the 2026/27 season against Dundee on a Monday night.

The Hoops claimed the title last season in dramatic fashion following a 3-1 victory over Hearts on the final day of the campaign, with Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand getting on the scoresheet.

Rangers’ capitulation at the end of the season was the icing on the cake as a run of four defeats in their final five games dropped them to third place.

There has already been a shock managerial switch with Derek McInnes leaving Hearts to take over at Rangers. His first game in charge will be against Dundee United on July 31.

Hearts start the post-McInnes era on Saturday, August 1, with a tough trip to Aberdeen, while Celtic will begin their title defence against Dundee on August 3.

However, the scheduling has angered Celtic as the defending champions generally play their first game on Sunday.

“It is important that supporters are aware of this as early as possible and the background to this decision, which is outwith our control,” the Celtic statement read.

“Clearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing.

“We 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 coincides with other events.“

Celtic have brought the kick-off time forward from 8.00 pm to 7.30 pm, which will lift some of the burden on the supporters.