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Sky Sports Opening Day Insult to Champions Celtic

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In a move that has left many Celtic fans feeling disgruntled, Sky Sports and the SPFL have scheduled Celtic’s opening fixture of the season second to last in the first week’s round of SPFL matches. Despite Celtic winning the league last season, they will kick off their campaign against Kilmarnock on Sunday, August 4, at 4:30 PM, rather than taking the prime opening slot.

In days gone by, the league champions’ flag-raising ceremony has been seen as the perfect precursor to the new season. For many fans, it’s an event steeped in pride and anticipation, setting the tone for the months ahead. However, Sky Sports has decided to feature Hearts vs Rangers as the season opener instead. This scheduling choice has ruffled feathers among the Celtic support.

Celtic Fan
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 11, 2024 Celtic fans celebrate after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The shift to a Sunday slot means that Celtic will raise the league flag later than expected, an event that many believe should take centre stage. Instead of the fanfare and excitement that typically accompanies such an occasion, it seems relegated to a secondary position.

One of the key issues highlighted by fans is the lack of consideration for traditions and the significance of the flag-raising ceremony. For Celtic supporters, this event is not merely a formality but a celebration of their club’s achievements. The delayed kick-off time adds to the sense of inconvenience.

It’s clear that this scheduling decision primarily impacts Celtic supporters, and as such, empathy from other fan bases is unlikely. However, the broader question of how fixtures are prioritised and the iNFLuence of broadcasters on the sport remains a contentious topic.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v St Mirren – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers lifts the trophy with his players after winning the Scottish Premiership REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Sky Sports and the SPFL’s choice shines a light on the tension between traditional Football culture and the commercial realities of modern broadcasting. As the new season approaches, it’s evident that the debate over fixture scheduling and its impact on fans is far from over.

Celtic fans will undoubtedly rally behind their team as always, 25 and a half hours after it should have happened.

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