Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has criticised the SPFL and Sky Sports decision to move yet another Bhoys fixture to Boxing Day this year, believing it’s not fair for supporters.
Celtic’s match away to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, originally scheduled for Christmas Eve, has been moved to Tuesday 26th December at 3 pm because of TV coverage.
It’ll be the seventh year in a row that Celtic have been on their travels in the first game after Christmas and six of them will have come on the 26th.
Boxing Day matches are tricky for supporters, especially when they are cross-country. Travel complications and family commitments mean it takes an extra special effort to turn out in numbers. And Rodgers isn’t happy with the situation.
Brendan Rodgers speaks out on Celtic scheduling
Speaking in a media conference this weekend, the Bhoys boss said [Celtic TV]: “It’s not ideal. Obviously, we would have preferred it to stay as it was. Especially at that time of the year.
“It’s interesting actually, I am pretty sure I’m correct in this, I think the last seven years Celtic have been away at that period of the season. So either we are very, very unlucky to be drawn away, or someone is making tricks behind the scenes.
“For seven years on the spin, this club have been away at that time of the season. That’s not right for supporters. So hopefully they can maybe look at that going forward.”
Rodgers pointing this out has made headlines and puts the issue into sharp focus. I’m sure many outwith the travelling Celtic support had not been aware of the consistent trend over the last half-decade plus.
Celtic aren’t consulted much on these fixture issues but the club should now be registering their displeasure with the situation to the SPFL and Sky Sports to hammer home the point.
It isn’t making the manager happy, it’s inconvenient for supporters and some Glasgow dates around Christmas going forward would be welcome.
In other news, First ever start, rotation hinted; Celtic team news and Predicted XI vs Hibernian.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
