Celtic call for release of next season’s fixture list

Celtic have called for the Scottish Premiership fixture list to be issued as soon as possible after a target kick-off date of August 1 was set.

The fixture list is usually released in mid-June but that might not be possible this year given the lack of clarity over the size of the Premiership and dates for European competition.

Scottish football’s suspension of activity is set to be lifted on June 11 but the Scottish Government has stressed that training must adhere to current guidelines of just two households training together until the next phase of the route out of the coronavirus lockdown is introduced.

A Celtic statement read: “Following yesterday’s meeting involving Scottish Government and footballing authorities and subsequent announcement by Scottish football’s joint response group, Celtic Football Club welcomes the proposed timetable set out in order to resume first team training and matches.

“We have been given a targeted return date for player training of June 11, 2020 with Scottish Premiership matches hoped to commence on August 1, 2020.

“Celtic has been working tirelessly to do all we can to assist in achieving a return to football and we would hope the SPFL are in a position as soon as possible, to issue the fixture calendar for the forthcoming season.”

Chief executive Peter Lawwell, who took part in Friday’s talks, added: “I would like to also thank all our medical, safety and operations staff at Celtic and those across football for the extensive work they have done in striving for a safe return for us all.

“Celtic has, for some time, been engaging with relevant experts in this field – knowledge and guidance which we have shared with the joint response group, other Scottish clubs and the Scottish Government  in order to support a safe, effective and quick return to football.

“Clearly, the important work we have done will be crucial as we move forward. We need to get back to football, safely, as soon as possible. That is our message and that is our aim.

“Our supporters are everything to us and our focus, ultimately, will be to do all we can to bring our fans back to matches as soon as we can.

“Our promise is to work as hard as we can to get our fans back to Celtic Park, to liaise closely with Government and the footballing authorities to find solutions and return to normal as soon as possible.

“The majority of leagues across Europe are back training, some already playing and many already with agreements in place to bring supporters back to matches. We can assure our fans that this will also be Celtic’s priority.”