Celtic’s date with Real Madrid in US at risk

THE friendly between Celtic and Real Madrid in the USA on 11 August has been thrown into doubt after it emerged the Scottish champions have yet to apply for an exemption from SPL duty that weekend.

Celtic have already announced on their website they will be facing the Spanish champions at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as part of the lucrative 2012 World Football Challenge.

The game is scheduled to take place a week after Celtic begin their defence of the SPL on 4 August. But senior SPL sources last night indicated that they have yet to receive an application from Celtic for a postponement of their 11 August league fixture.

Last season, the SPL allowed clubs to opt out of one of the first three weeks of the season, owing to an earlier than usual start date of 23 July. That allowed Celtic to take part in the Dublin Super Cup at the end of July, while Rangers and Hibs also staged home friendlies in the first week of August. However, there has been no such provision made this season. Any application by Celtic to miss out on a round of league fixtures will be considered by the SPL. Sources at Parkhead insisted last night they have been privately assured they will be allowed to reschedule the affected league game.