Flag Day Row Erupts as Celtic Take Aim at SPFL and Police

SPFL fixture decision sparks anger at Parkhead, with Celtic insisting the move undermines one of the season’s key occasions.

Celtic have issued a strongly worded statement criticising the SPFL and Police Scotland after being forced to stage their Premiership curtain-raiser and traditional flag day on a Monday night.

The Scottish champions made their feelings clear in a statement released shortly before the league’s official fixture announcement, confirming they will begin the 2026/27 season at home against Dundee on Monday, August 3 with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Flag day is typically held at Celtic Park on a weekend afternoon, marking the club’s title success in front of a full home support. Last season, they unfurled the Premiership flag ahead of a Sunday 4.30pm clash with St Mirren. However, this year’s plans have been disrupted, with Celtic expressing frustration at what they say was a lack of flexibility from both the SPFL and Police Scotland.

In their statement, the club stressed that the decision was beyond their control and insisted they had pushed repeatedly for an alternative arrangement.

“Clearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing,” the statement read.

“We have made repeated representations to Police Scotland and to the SPFL to avoid this scheduling; however, we have been told that there is no choice owing to Police Scotland being unable to support the fixture on a weekend which coincides with other events.”

Celtic did confirm that discussions with the league and broadcasters resulted in a compromise over the kick-off time, which has been brought forward from 8pm to 7.30pm in an effort to ease travel concerns, particularly for supporters making the journey from Ireland.

“Through positive dialogue with the SPFL and Sky Sports, it has been agreed that, in recognition of the demands placed on our travelling supporters, the kick-off will be brought forward,” the club added.

While acknowledging the adjustment, Celtic maintained that the situation falls short of what the occasion demands.

“While it will never detract from the team’s phenomenal and most deserving achievement, we feel strongly that a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture.”

Despite their frustration, the club confirmed they will still look to mark the occasion in fitting style as they celebrate securing a fifth consecutive Premiership title.

“Regardless of these disappointing circumstances, we will ensure that this is a very special day for our supporters,” the statement concluded.

The scheduling decision is understood to be linked to policing constraints, with Police Scotland unable to support the fixture over the opening weekend due to two concerts and Commonwealth Games action at the Velodrome taking place, leaving the SPFL with limited options.

Nevertheless, the move has sparked discontent at Celtic Park, with the club taking the unusual step of publicly addressing the issue ahead of the official fixture release, underlining the strength of feeling surrounding one of the most symbolic days in the Scottish football calendar.