Glasgow | Celtic abandon their AGM amid fan protest

Another chaotic day for Celtic

Their annual meeting was abandoned after shareholders jeered when director Ross Desmond accused some fans of being "bullies".

Author | Sean M

Celtic v Hibernian | September 2025

The gathering had been briefly adjourned by chairman Peter Lawwell less than five minutes in, following chants of "sack the board" from some shareholders, before ultimately being halted an hour after it began "because of disruption". Desmond was reading a statement on behalf of himself and his father, Dermot, the club’s largest shareholder, who was not present.

The board has faced intense criticism from supporters’ groups over the Scottish champions’ summer transfer activity and their failure to qualify for the Champions League. Friday’s meeting also took place amid the ongoing search for a permanent manager after Brendan Rodgers resigned last month, with former boss Michael O’Neill serving as caretaker.

Desmond began his statement by defending his father, a "lifelong and passionate" Celtic supporter, and insisted the board would not be "bullied by aggressive and irrational" criticism. He also defended Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson, saying attempts to "dehumanise and vilify them are shameful".

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More criticism from fans

Directors were met with boos and dozens of red cards from shareholders as they entered the packed Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park, while other fans watched via video link from a separate function room. Cries of "out, out, out" were followed by cheers for O’Neill when the interim manager was introduced.

As a season review video played on big screens, Celtic Trust vice-chair Jeanette Findlay approached the top table to request that the meeting move immediately to questions. Amid further shouts and chants of "sack the board", Lawwell said: "This disruptive behaviour is not on. It's got to stop. We have to have respect for everyone else in the room." After shouts of "you respect us", Lawwell called a 30-minute adjournment.

When proceedings resumed, dozens of fans walked out as a series of videos were shown while Lawwell, Nicholson and chief finance officer Chris McKay defended the board’s record. Supporters returned in anticipation of the usual question-and-answer session, but Desmond’s statement ultimately brought the meeting to a close.

Another fan perspective of the recent situation

Richard Lennon, a Celtic fan, provided an in-depth analysis of the fanbase's deteriorating relationship with Dermot Desmond. He said: “Dermot Desmond's grip on Celtic has shifted from dominant to out of control. His influence towers over the board to such an extent that any genuine accountability has vanished. His recent statements, where he insulted fans following a failed transfer window and used the Club's website to launch a personal attack on our former manager. This has highlighted how dangerous and unchecked his influence has become."

A protest before the game in October

Richard added: "These recent actions have resulted in a number of actions throughout the season. Some of comments aren’t the words of a leader who cares about the team and the support. They were the rantings of a man who believes that he is untouchable. His authority goes unchallenged, and the Celtic board has drifted into a role that serves his demands rather than acting independently and protecting our long-term interests.”