Calvin Harris & Commonwealths force Monday start to Celtic’s title defence

Celtic irked by Monday season start against DundeeImage source, SNSImage caption, Celtic will go for a sixth straight title in 2026-27ByColin MoffatBBC Sport ScotlandPublished52 minutes agoCeltic have voiced their disappointment after it was revealed they will start their Scottish Premiership title defence on a Monday evening, because of a combination of the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.The Scottish champions say they made “repeated representations” to the SPFL and Police Scotland to ensure a weekend fixture but were told there was “no choice” but to have their opener against Dundee on 3 August (19:30 BST).There will be Glasgow 2026 cycling events at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena – next to Celtic Park – over the weekend of 1 and 2 August, while Harris will stage two large concerts at Hampden on the same days.”We feel strongly a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture,” added Celtic, who stated they had negotiated an earlier kick-off time to help fans travelling from Ireland.All six opening-weekend fixtures will be shown live on television, with the 2026-27 term starting on Friday, 31 July as Dundee United host Rangers (20:00). Hearts – last season’s runners-up – visit Aberdeen on the Saturday (17:30), after Falkirk and St Mirren meet earlier in the day (15:00).Scottish Premiership fixtures – find out your club’s schedule