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

Celtic have been left fuming at the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season fixture, with their opening fixture against Dundee set to clash with the Champions Flag Day.

The new season is scheduled to begin in July, with the opening fixtures now confirmed for defending champions Celtic, rivals Rangers, and runners-up Hearts of Midlothian.

Celtic 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 score sheet.

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 saw them drop to third place, finishing 10 points behind Celtic.

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

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

However, the scheduling has left Celtic fuming as their curtain raiser clashes with their Champions Flag Day plans.

“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 managed to bring the kick-off time forward from 8pm to 7:30pm, which should lift some of the burden on the travelling supporters.