How to watch Kilmarnock vs Celtic: TV channel, live stream, team news, referee and VAR for Premiership clash

Celtic will face Kilmarnock away in their second Scottish Premiership fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Hoops got off to a winning start against Dundee at home in their opener but perhaps would’ve preferred a slightly more comfortable scoreline than 1-0. Next up is a trip to Rugby Park - where for the first time in 12 years, they’ll be playing on grass instead of a 3G pitch. There was certainly nothing artificial about the champions’ performance the last time they travelled to Ayrshire in February, when former defender Julian Araujo’s 97th minute winner caused bedlam in the away end and kept them in the title race.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has been discharged from hospital after ‘a small procedure’ earlier in the week. Assistant Shaun Maloney claims the 74-year-old will make a late call about whether he’ll be in the dugout for Sunday or not. Whoever takes charge at Rugby Park will be up against Killie boss Neil McCann - who will be looking for a reaction from his players after their disappointing 4-3 defeat to St Johnstone on matchday one. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch Kilmarnock vs Celtic, which has been selected for commercial broadcast:

When and where will Kilmarnock vs Celtic take place?

The match will take place on the grass pitch of Rugby Park in Ayrshire on Sunday, August 8. Kick-off is scheduled for for 1:30pm (BST).

Will Kilmarnock vs Celtic be broadcast live on television?

Yes, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage will start an hour before kick-off.

Can I live stream Kilmarnock vs Celtic?

Yes, viewers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app if you have a valid subscription. Alternatively, you can purchase a streaming pass through NOW TV.

Who is the referee and VAR for Kilmarnock vs Celtic?

Ryan Lee is the match referee. His assistant referees are Frank Connor and Derek MacFarlane. Andrew Dallas is on VAR duty, assisted by David Dickinson.

What is the Celtic team news ahead of the Kilmarnock clash?

Defender Liam Scales will serve the final match of his two-game suspension against Killie after picking up his 12 yellow cards last season. Striker Johnny Kenny remains out with a knee issue. Winger Jota has returned to training - but after a 16-month absence through an ACL injury, it could be weeks until he’s back involved in matchday action. The Celtic coaching staff will also have to make decision on defender Alistair Johnston and midfielder Arne Engels on Sunday amid transfer speculation.

What have Celtic said ahead of the Kilmarnock clash?

Assistant Maloney claims O’Neill was in ‘good form’ when he visited him in hospital and that he’s recovering well. He said: "I went to see him last night. It was really positive. He was in good form - loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feeling he has continues. I'll speak to him this afternoon and then he'll make a call for tomorrow. And then I'd imagine he'll make the call for the game at the weekend. But, if it's this weekend, great. If it isn't, then we'll prepare for it with that one."