Celtic abandoned its annual meeting after shareholders jeered director Ross Desmond for calling some fans “bullies.”
Chairman Peter Lawwell initially adjourned the session for 30 minutes after chants of “sack the board” erupted.
Desmond read a statement defending his father, Dermot, the club’s largest shareholder, but disruption forced Lawwell to halt proceedings.
The club later condemned the behavior as “completely unacceptable” and expressed regret for shareholders unable to participate constructively.
Fans Criticize Board and Interim Management
Supporters have criticized the board over summer transfers, Champions League failures, and falling seven points behind Hearts.
Desmond defended Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson, claiming critics “dehumanize and vilify” directors unfairly.
He labeled part of the fanbase responsible for banning the Green Brigade ultras as “bullies.”
Shareholders greeted the board with boos, red cards, and chants of “out, out, out,” before cheering interim manager Martin O’Neill.
O’Neill Calls for Unity
O’Neill called the meeting “as sad a morning” he had witnessed and hoped to restore unity.
He cited Jock Stein, warning that a divided club cannot succeed and urged reconciliation.
O’Neill said the disconnect can be fixed once the new manager starts and fans and board work together.
Celtic confirmed shareholders can still raise questions via investor relations while the poll results are verified by Computershare.
