Premiership fixtures: Celtic hit out, Rangers' Friday start, Old Firm dates, Hibs v Hearts

The game against Dundee at Celtic Park will take place on Monday, August 3 at 7.30pm due to the Commonwealth Games taking place in close proximity. However, Celtic released a statement prior to the official unveiling of the 2026/27 fixtures at noon expressing disappointment at the decision.

Their match will be the final game on a busy opening weekend of the Premiership, with all six games selected for TV coverage by Sky Sports.

The season kicks off on Friday, July 31 when Dundee United host Rangers at 8pm - Derek McInnes’ first competitive match as Ibrox boss. Falkirk v St Mirren is at 3pm on Saturday, August 1, while Aberdeen play Hearts on the same day at Pittodrie at 5.30pm.

On Sunday, August 2, Championship title winners St Johnstone host Kilmarnock at 2pm, with Hibs v Motherwell at 4.30pm later that day.

On the Dundee match, Celtic’s statement read: “Celtic Football Club has been informed that its first match will be played on Monday, August 3, 2026 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 co-incides 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 7.30pm 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.”

The first Old Firm derby will take place on Sunday, September 20 at noon when Celtic host Rangers, live at Sky Sports. The New Year clash is at Ibrox on Saturday, January 2 and then the two teams meet again on Saturday, February 27 at Celtic Park.

The first Edinburgh derby is scheduled to be at Easter Road on Wednesday, September 2 when Hibs host Hearts. Tynecastle will be the venue for the festive clash on Saturday, December 26 and then the duo meet again on Saturday, April 10 - the final match before the split.

The first game between Celtic and Hearts takes place at Parkhead on Saturday, October 17, while new Rangers head coach Derek McInnes will return to his former club when Hearts host them at Tynecastle on Wednesday, October 28.