SPFL Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie has answered questions about the release of the SPFL fixture list.
Celtic have had their traditional Flag Day celebrations moved to a Monday evening against Dundee due to policing priorities amid the Commonwealth Games.
A statement from Celtic expressed disappointment about the decision, highlighting concerns about accessibility for supporters.
Beattie said that conversations with relevant stakeholders led to the decision.
Celtic’s first five 2026/27 Scottish Premiership fixtures
Thoughts Celtic fans? 🤔
SPFL Chief Calum Beattie: Commonwealth Games impact ‘limited’ on SPFL fixtures
Beattie said on the SPFL Website Q&A about the Commonwealth Games: “The event is not on the same scale as 2014 when both Barclays Hampden Park and Celtic Park were venues…
“So the impact on SPFL fixtures is more limited this time.
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“However, the closing weekend of the 2026 Commonwealth Games coincides with our opening weekend and there are events scheduled at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
“As a result, and following discussions with relevant stakeholders including Police Scotland, Celtic’s opening game against Dundee will be played on Monday August 3, live on Sky Sports at 7.30pm.
“Traditionally, the champions are given a home start and that is again the case. Celtic will begin the defence of their William Hill Premiership trophy against Dundee at Celtic Park.”
He said on further calendar changes: “Season 2026/27 will be the first that incorporates the new FIFA international calendar which combines the September and October windows.
“That means there will be no William Hill Premiership matches scheduled for September 26 or October 3.
“The quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup have been brought forward a week to September 12/13 to ensure there is a round of William Hill Premiership matches on September 19/20 before the extended break.
“Fixtures have been scheduled so William Hill Premiership clubs will play home/away or away/home either side of that international window.
“The revised international dates mean the midweek of September 1/2 is now available for SPFL matches while matchday one of the Champions League has been brought forward a week to September 8-10, with the league phase draw at the end of August.”
👀 A reasonable figure?
Celtic’s fixtures list for 2026-27
Celtic have been given a fairly favourable opening run of fixtures; suitable given the extent of change in the playing squad expected this summer.
In their opening six matches, they will play just one of last season’s top six — in the shape of sixth-placed Falkirk, who have just lost their two best players.
Things come back around, though — and there are two separate runs where Martin O’Neill’s men will face Rangers, Motherwell, Hearts and Hibs in a row.
The first Glasgow Derby of the season is on September 20th at Celtic Park, before the traditional New Year game at Ibrox and the third scheduled for the weekend of February 27th.
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