St Mirren skipper Jim Goodwin says the decision to allow Celtic to postpone their second league game of the new term against the Buddies is "ridiculous".
The Scottish champions were due to host Danny Lennon's Saints at Celtic Park on August 10 a week after the new Scottish Professional Football League kicks off.
But the Glasgow giants have been given permission to cancel the fixture so they can instead face Liverpool in a money-spinning friendly in Dublin.
Goodwin rounded on the SPFL - formed last week by a merger of the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League - and claimed the move made a mockery of the Scottish game.
The Irish defender said: "I'm very frustrated. I don't agree with it. I understand from a financial view what it does for Celtic. But for the game up here it is ridiculous.
"We have been unfortunate to be the club who drew this fixture. We are looking to get off to a good start and gain a bit of momentum.
"But we'll come back from our holidays, play one game and then have another two-week break.
"I haven't agreed with this from the start. It doesn't happen anywhere else in the world. I can't see why it happens here.
"It's obviously worth a lot of money to Celtic. Going to play Liverpool in Dublin in the Aviva Stadium will no doubt draw a full house.
"There is massive revenue at stake for Celtic but I don't see why it can't be organised during pre-season. Why the SPL allow this to happen doesn't make sense.
"We'll just have to get on with it. Maybe the manager might decide to squeeze in a friendly himself. Or maybe we'll be able to get in a wee round of golf."
Goodwin's team-mate Kenny McLean took the same view point.
The Scotland Under-21 midfielder said: "We all want to play these big games against the likes of Celtic but I don't see why they should be allowed to organise a friendly during the season.
"Obviously they have got permission from the league but I don't think it's right. It doesn't seem fair.
"It's one week into the season and we'll be dying to get going. But a week after the first game we'll back doing nothing. It's very frustrating."
St Mirren will start their top-flight campaign with a trip to Inverness on August 3.
But they been spared another long-haul trip to the Highlands during the festive season.
The Paisley outfit lodged an official complaint with the SPL last year after they were handed a Boxing Day clash with Inverness for the second time in three seasons.
Instead, St Mirren will now face Dundee United at home the day after Christmas. They will then host Hearts on December 29 before travelling to Kilmarnock on New Year's Day, with a trip to Celtic Park next on January 4.
Goodwin said: "August is the best time of year to go up there to Inverness. The pitch will be immaculate and the weather will be alright. Certainly, it's better than heading up there in December time.
"We're pleased with the first game. It's always hard up there but it's one that will get us up for the season ahead.
"And it couldn't have worked out any better as far as the festive fixtures go. It's four fantastic games. We have been very, very fortunate at that end of the season.
"We always seem to get a long trip at this time of the year but this year will make for a nice change.
"We've been to Inverness a few times but I'd rather get them when the pitch is perfect, like we will on the opening day, than having to travel up on Boxing Day."
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