Celtic 'disappointed' as flag day moved to Monday

Celtic are hopeful of a "special day" when they raise the Scottish Premiership flag on Monday 3 August despite "disappointing circumstances" surrounding the first game being played outwith a weekend day. A statement from the club reads: "Celtic has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, 3 August in the forthcoming league season. "With the fixtures being officially released today, it is important that supporters are aware of this as early as possible and the background to this decision, which is outwith our control. "Clearly, our priority will always be our supporters and, against any measure, staging the Champions Flag Day on a Monday evening is disappointing. "We have made repeated representations to Police Scotland and to the SPFL to avoid this scheduling, however, surprisingly, 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. "Through positive dialogue with the SPFL and Sky Sports, however, it has been agreed that in recognition of the demands placed on our travelling supporters, particularly from Ireland, the kick off will be brought forward to the earlier time of 19:30 from the previously designated 8pm start, something which is significant for travel connections. "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. "Regardless of these disappointing circumstances we will still ensure that this a very special day for our supporters as we celebrate our fifth consecutive Premiership title."