Celtic Condemns Monday Night Kick-Off for Title Defence

Celtic have condemned the decision to start their Scottish Premiership title defence on a Monday night, accusing the league of failing to protect one of its showpiece fixtures amid a congested Glasgow calendar.

The champions will raise the curtain on their 2026-27 campaign against Dundee at Celtic Park on 3 August, with kick-off set for 19:30 BST, after being told a weekend slot was impossible because of the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.

Champions pushed to Monday night

Glasgow 2026 cycling events will take place at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena, right next to Celtic Park, across the weekend of 1 and 2 August. At the same time, Harris is scheduled to play two major shows at Hampden, placing a heavy strain on policing and city infrastructure.

Celtic say they made “repeated representations” to both the SPFL and Police Scotland to secure a traditional weekend start to their title defence, only to be informed there was “no choice” but to move the match to the Monday evening.

The club’s frustration runs deeper than simple inconvenience. They argue the occasion deserves better.

“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,” the club said, stressing that the opening game of a champions’ season should not be shuffled to the margins of the schedule.

The club also revealed they had at least managed to negotiate an earlier evening kick-off, bringing the start time forward to 19:30 to help supporters travelling from Ireland.

Televised launch to new season

The fixture is part of a fully televised opening round, with all six Premiership matches broadcast live.

The new campaign begins on Friday, 31 July, when Dundee United host Rangers at 20:00, a high-profile opener under the lights.

Saturday brings last season’s runners-up Hearts to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen at 17:30, following Falkirk’s home meeting with St Mirren at 15:00.

The cameras will be there. The audiences will follow.

But Celtic, starting their defence on a Monday night because their own city is already full, will feel the champions’ stage has been dimmed before a ball has even been kicked.