The Celtic anomaly Champions League rivals don't face as baffled Neil Lennon rinses Atletico Madrid oversight

Bemused Neil Lennon admits he can't understand why Celtic played Hearts on Sunday - while several Champions League sides received a Saturday fixture.

Brendan Rodgers side saw off Hearts in a comfortable 4-1 victory in front of the Sky Sports cameras just days before they face Atletico Madrid a crucial Group E clash. The Scottish Premiership champions are looking to secure their first points of the group stage campaign when the La Liga heavyweights arrive at Celtic Park - but former Parkhead captain and boss Lennon has been irked by the extra strain placed on the Hoops.

Diego Simeone's men ran out 3-0 winners over Celta VIgo on Saturday - which Lennon notes will give the Spaniards an extra day of recovery. The Irishman also pointed to the English Premier League card which saw the four Champions League sides - Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United - play their weekend matches on Saturday.

Lennon told PLZ: "Celtic are playing on a Sunday afternoon when they have got a Champions League game on the Wednesday night. Atletico Madrid played on the Saturday evening, why are Celtic playing on a Sunday afternoon?

"Now they have only got Monday and Tuesday to recover, and then they are playing against Atletico Madrid. I know it might be for TV, but Man United played on Saturday evening.

"Arsenal played on Saturday evening at 5.30pm. Man City played; all their teams that are in the Champions League played on the Saturday. The Scottish representatives play on the Sunday with a day less recovery. I just don't get it."