Celtic Fans Stage Dramatic Protest Against Owner Desmond at Golf Event
Celtic Fans Stage Dramatic Protest Against Owner Desmond at Golf Event
Tensions rise as Celtic fans throw tennis balls at principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during a golf tournament at St Andrews, prompting a strong club response. #CelticFC #FanProtest
Celtic Football Club's principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, was the target of a dramatic fan protest on Saturday during his participation in the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament at St Andrews. The 76-year-old was taking part in the pro-am event when fans threw tennis balls, some featuring his face crossed out, onto the 15th hole's green.
Desmond was subsequently escorted off the course by security.
The protest, organized by the Celtic Fans Collective, was a clear demonstration of discontent over what they perceive as a lack of progress on the pitch and Desmond's leadership. The Collective released a statement on social media platform X, asserting that Desmond has been allowed to run the club while using his wealth to avoid accountability, demanding a change in this arrangement.
In response, Celtic Football Club issued a lengthy and strongly-worded statement, condemning the "premeditated action" as bringing "shame upon the club." While acknowledging supporters' right to express criticism peacefully, the club stated that the events at St Andrews represented a "significant and unacceptable escalation." They further declared that the Celtic Fans Collective no longer credibly represents the wider Celtic support, emphasizing that those responsible for the protest do not speak for the many thousands of supporters who express their views responsibly.
The club's statement asserted that Celtic will not be "intimidated or coerced by organised acts of disruption," drawing a clear line between peaceful protest and deliberate disruption.
They vowed to protect employees, directors, shareholders, and supporters, emphasizing that the club's reputation is non-negotiable.
This incident occurs despite Celtic currently sitting at the top of the Premiership table, two points clear of rivals Rangers, though they had lost their last three games before the international break, including two defeats by Rangers and a 3-1 home loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
