In keeping with a long-standing tradition at Celtic, the opening fixture of the new campaign will see the club mark Flag Day to celebrate their title-winning success.
Usually, this match should be the first out of the blocks for the new season, but Celtic have confirmed that 2026/27 Flag Day will commence on Monday, August 3.
This is hugely ‘disappointing’ from Celtic’s perspective, and they have made that clear in a statement an hour before the official fixtures are released for the new Scottish Premiership season.
Celtic have shared that they consistently made it clear to the SPFL and Police Scotland to ‘avoid this scheduling’, but ‘Flag Day’ will still be played on a Monday, and not at the weekend.
As a result, the powers that be at Parkhead, to help out the supporters as best as possible, including those travelling from Ireland, have ‘brought forward’ the kick-off time to ‘7:30 pm (BST)’ from ‘previously designated 8pm start.’
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Celtic release statement on ‘Flag Day’ preparations for the 2026/27 season
This is Celtic’s statement on Flag Day preparations in full:
‘Celtic Football Club has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the forthcoming league season.
With the fixtures being officially released today, it is important that supporters are aware of this as early as possible and the background to this decision, which is outwith our control.
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 co-incides with other events.
Through positive dialogue with the SPFL and Sky Sports, however, it has been agreed that in recognition of the demands placed on our travelling supporters, particularly from Ireland, the kick off will be brought forward to the earlier time of 7.30pm from the previously designated 8pm start, something which is significant for travel connections.
While it will never detract from the team’s phenomenal and most deserving achievement, we feel strongly that a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture.
Regardless of these disappointing circumstances we will still ensure that this a very special day for our supporters as we celebrate our fifth consecutive Premiership title.’
Another pathetic call from the SPFL and Police Scotland
Celtic were crowned champions on May 16 after that crazy final-day ending against Hearts.
Usually, the Hoops have got the job done a lot earlier, as the previous campaigns have proven.
But every season, those making the big calls are fully aware that the new season kicks off at the start of August, and more than likely, the champions of Scotland are from Parkhead.
So, why can’t this be prioritised? It’s not like all of this is a big shock to the system. Guess what? It’s more than likely going to happen again next season, and next season, and next season.
But fans will probably hear the same BS from the SPFL and Police Scotland next year, which will just be repeated again and again, just like Celtic’s titles.
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