Celtic decide against postponing Livingston match ahead of European qualifier | OneFootball

As expected Celtic will NOT postpone the Scottish Premiership match against Livingston at Celtic Park on Saturday 23 August. The match will go ahead despite it being played just THREE days before Celtic’s second leg Champions League play-off qualifier against either Kazakhstan Champions Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava, the current Champions of Slovakia.

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

An SPFL rule change that has come into force this season allows Scottish Premiership sides to request a postponement to assist in preparations ahead of crucial European qualifiers and both Hibs and theRangers have take advantage of the new rule with Celtic opting instead to play the match.

The SPFL provided an update today on their official website on the decisions taken by the Scottish clubs involved on European qualifiers this month.

“The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) can today provide a further update on match arrangements for round three of the William Hill Premiership.

“The new policy, which allows clubs involved in UEFA play-off matches to postpone their round three fixtures, was approved by the SPFL Board in April to support clubs aiming to reach the league phase of UEFA competitions.

“Following discussions with Celtic, their home match versus Livingston remains scheduled for 3.00 pm on Saturday, August 23, alongside Hearts v Motherwell and Kilmarnock v Dundee.”

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates with teammates Callum McGregor & Johnny Kenny after scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 03 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace. IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Celtic seem to be looking to use the Livingston game as a chance to build on fitness and sharpness in what might be a challenging away European tie with up to £40m riding in the outcome. Celtic defeated Slovan Bratislava 5-1 at Celtic Park in the opening group stages match last season. A similar scoreline would suit Brendan Rodgers just fine this time around against either opponent.

Celtic will be scouting both legs of their qualifying tie over the course of the next week with the first leg being played tomorrow evening in Kazakhstan and the second leg a week tonight in Bratislava.

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Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

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