Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has announced he will stand down at the end of December, citing “intolerable” abuse and threats from a section of the club’s supporters.
Lawwell’s departure deepens the sense of crisis at the Scottish champions, who suffered a League Cup final defeat to St Mirren on Sunday – their third consecutive loss under new manager Wilfried Nancy. Fans’ anger has intensified following transfer window mistakes, the departure of Brendan Rodgers, and Celtic’s Champions League qualifying exit to Kairat Almaty.
Formerly the club’s chief executive, Lawwell said the abuse had escalated to the point that it alarmed his family. “At this stage in my life, I don’t need this,” he said. “I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.”
Chief executive Michael Nicholson described the situation as “completely unacceptable”, while major shareholder Dermot Desmond said he respected Lawwell’s decision. Long-serving director Brian Wilson will take over as interim chair.
