Celtic used the release of the 2025/26 SPFL fixtures to take a well-aimed dig at their Ibrox rivals — and fans absolutely loved it.

In the minutes leading up to the official fixture drop on Friday morning, Celtic’s official X account posted the words “Club statement.” With no context. Just the two words that have become synonymous with reactionary press releases — particularly from across the city.

Supporters immediately took notice, many assuming something serious was incoming. Instead, the link directed to a straightforward update on the club’s new season fixtures.

It didn’t take long for fans to clock the joke.

The post was a not-so-subtle swipe at Rangers, who had issued their own dramatic club statement on Thursday after being fined £3,000 by the SFA. The fine came in response to ex-player John Brown declaring Scottish football “corrupt” on RangersTV — a rant that led to the club being charged under Disciplinary Rule 38.

Rather than accept the decision quietly, Rangers doubled down with a furious response, accusing the SFA of “selective enforcement” and promising to escalate their grievances to Hampden’s top brass.

Celtic’s timing couldn’t have been better.

The contrast between the two “statements” — one raging at the authorities, the other gently mocking the entire melodrama — wasn’t lost on the support. Replies to the post were filled with laughing emojis, gifs, and appreciation for the perfectly executed wind-up.

Fixture day is usually dominated by talk of opening weekends and derby dates. But this time, Celtic ensured the preamble delivered the first real moment of the new campaign — a subtle troll that left the green and white half of Glasgow grin.