Celtic disappointed as title defense was postponed by concerts and Commonwealth Games

A combination of Calvin Harris concerts and Commonwealth Games events will force Celtic to play the opening match of the Scottish Premiership title defense on Monday evening, a situation the club has described as ‘disappointing’.

Instead of being played on the previous Saturday or Sunday, Celtic’s home match against Dundee has been postponed to Monday, August 3.

“We have been told there is no choice as Police Scotland cannot support the match on a weekend that coincides with other events,” Celtic said.

That weekend saw DJ Calvin Harris perform elsewhere in Glasgow, as well as track cycling at the Commonwealth Games in a velodrome opposite Celtic’s stadium.

When Celtic are champions of the league, the club calls the first match of the following season “Champions Flag Day” as a flag is raised in the middle of the pitch to the cheers of the fans.

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“It is clear that our priority will always be our supporters and, against every measure, hosting the Champions Flag Day on Monday evening is disappointing,” Celtic said.

“We have made repeated representations to Police Scotland and the SPFL to prevent this planning.”

The club added that it «strongly believes that a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both groups of supporters and the status of the match.»

Celtic beat Hearts to the title in extraordinary circumstances at the end of last season.

Published on June 18, 2026