Fury as SPFL announce Saturday night spot for new season

Football fans are outraged after the SPFL announced games will be played on Saturday nights.

Celtic’s opener against Ross County will be screened at 5.15pm on August 3 as Neil Doncaster lets the TV companies call the shots in the new-look regime.

Friday night matches continue after being a hit last season.

The new Saturday slot has sparked huge debate, with Hoops fans wanting talks with authorities after travel plans for the County clash were plunged into chaos.

Kevin Graham, of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs, claims punters will be left out of pocket.

He said: “Holding this game on a Saturday night is a logistical nightmare.

“Our supporters travel from all over Britain and Ireland and have already made plans to come to the first match.

“They’ve booked ferries and hotels — now this has been announced with three weeks’ notice.

“We will be looking to talk to the new league about this and we will also speak to Celtic.

“The fans will be disappointed. Kick-off times are one of the main issues we have as a support.

“Due to the TV changes, our first three games kick off at three different times. This has been a long-standing problem.”

BT Sport join Sky and BBC Alba in screening Scottish fixtures this season and all are in favour of the move.

The Saturday tea-time slot usually gains massive audiences and TV chiefs intend to give Scottish football wider exposure.

Hampden bosses are keen to try new ideas and the plan has received the green light from police.

The move has not been welcomed by all clubs, with Kilmarnock set to visit Motherwell at 5.30pm on Saturday, August 31.

Rugby Park fans chief Sandy Armour said: “I’m not keen on a Saturday night kick-off.

“Motherwell is only an hour away, but you don’t want to be travelling long distances at that time on a Saturday.”

Partick Thistle begin the new campaign on Friday, August 2 by hosting Dundee United at Firhill live on BT Sport.

The Jags also welcome Hearts on August 16, while Rangers’ away clash with Airdrie has been switched to Friday, August 23 at 7.45pm.

Lunchtime kick-offs also remain on the schedule, with the Edinburgh derby on Sunday, August 11 and Celtic heading to Aberdeen on Saturday, August 17.