Celtic have decided not to submit a request to postpone their Scottish Premiership clash that falls between the two legs of their Champions League play-off tie.
The Hoops were drawn against Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty for the upcoming vital play-off round that they must navigate successfully to reach the Champions League league phase.
The SPFL have adopted a new policy whereby clubs involved in European qualifiers can request to postpone Premiership matchday three fixtures to help them in their attempts to progress to the league phases of each UEFA tournament.
Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs have all seen their requests accepted by the SPFL, but the Hoops decided not to submit one in the first place.
Celtic opt not to postpone clash for Champions League play-off
It means Celtic will play the play-off first leg on August 20, face Livingston three days later, before travelling away from home for the second leg on August 26 – that’s three games in seven days.
A statement from the SPFL reads: “The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) can today provide a further update on match arrangements for round three of the William Hill Premiership.
“As previously confirmed, Dundee United v Aberdeen on Saturday August 23 has been postponed following a request by Aberdeen, who will be participating in the Europa League play-offs.
“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.
“Falkirk v Hibernian was selected by Premier Sports for live broadcast on Saturday August 23, kick-off 5.45pm, but, as earlier announced, following a request from Hibernian will also be postponed if they overcome FK Partizan to reach the Conference League play-off round.
“St Mirren v Rangers has been selected for live coverage on Sky Sports on Sunday August 24, kick-off 12 noon, but following a request from Rangers will be postponed if they reach the play-off round of the Champions League.
“Following discussions with Celtic, their home match versus Livingston remains scheduled for 3.00pm on Saturday August 23, alongside Hearts v Motherwell and Kilmarnock v Dundee.
“New dates for postponed round three matches will be announced following publication of the UEFA league phase fixtures at the end of August.”
Celtic’s SPFL and Champions League decision analysed
The Celtic hierarchy feel it isn’t necessary to postpone the Livingston game which falls between the two legs of the Champions League play-off.
The SPFL have introduced a rule which is helpful for clubs, but Celtic should be able to cope with playing the West Lothian side at Parkhead in between the two legs.
It’s three competitive games within seven days, and of course this is a hugely significant Champions League qualifier.
Perhaps players would have been better rested with a break in between, but we are only at the beginning of the new season, so tiredness can’t really be an excuse regardless.
It is true, however, that Celtic could end up having to fly 4,500 miles for 12 hours on a plane to Kazakhstan very soon after the Livingston game.
However, the Hoops feel second leg preparations regardless of the opposition will not be affected by the Livingston match, so let’s hope that works out.
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