Celtic’s AGM was sensationally cut short amid widespread disruption as director Ross Desmond accused fans of attempting to ‘dehumanise and vilify’ board members.
Held in the Kerrydale Suite at Parkhead, the gathering quickly developed into a verbal shouting match as the anger of disgruntled shareholders at the way they believe the club is being run boiled over.
The meeting, which started at 10.30am, began with the board being booed onto the stage as many in the room waved red cards at them.
Amid calls of ‘sack the board’, one attendee approached the top table and was ordered to retake her seat.
After an initial warning from chairman Peter Lawwell, he announced a half hour adjournment after just four minutes and 37 seconds.
When the meeting resumed at 11.01am, there was a mass walk out, with those departing the room pointing angrily at the directors.
A pre-recorded interview with Lawwell was then shown in which he said that Celtic had had a ‘good year on and off the park’.
Recalling a turbulent period at the club, which saw Celtic crash out of the Champions League after a perceived lack of activity in the transfer window, followed by the resignation of manager Brendan Rodger, Lawwell added: ‘I understand the frustration and the negativity from some parts, and the disappointment.
‘We are all Celtic supporters, as well as stewards of the club. We have to look at this in the broader sense and we have to look forward.
‘We have made mistakes and recognise there are improvements to be made. That is our focus moving forward — to do everything we can to make this club successful.’
Matters reached a new level, though, when director Ross Desmond — son of major shareholder Dermot — read a pre-prepared statement in which he accused certain fans of ‘stirring up toxicity’ and ‘dehumanising’ board members.
‘I am here on behalf of my father and speak for both him and myself,’ he said.
‘We felt compelled to make a statement because of the misinformation that has been swirling around the club. It felt important to offer some clarity and respect. There has been much nonsense spouted about the people on this stage.
‘There are those who lie in wait for any opportunity and any small opening to stir up toxicity around the club.
‘Let me start by dispensing with the absurd caricature some people spread about my father and state some of his Celtic credentials. He’s a passionate and lifelong Celtic supporter.
‘He first put money into Celtic more than 30 years ago when Fergus McCann asked him for help.
‘He became the principal shareholder when Fergus sold out and took on the responsibility that came with that. He wants the club to be healthy, successful and still thriving decades and even centuries from now.
‘The board shares those desires and that’s why the board respects financial reality. We act prudently, not recklessly. Those who accuse the club of hoarding cash or being in it for the money display a deep misunderstanding of financial responsibility.
‘The board has a duty of care to the shareholders, to the supporters and to the future of this club. We don’t declare dividends to distribute surplus cash to ordinary shareholders as many other businesses do. Cash is retained and used to sustain and develop our club.
‘We will not be railroaded by those whose only vocation in life is to be anti-establishment and by those who try to degrade the club.
‘Our focus is on all matters, improving this club step by step, systematically, without ever risking a future. Improving recruitment, investing in data analytics, upgrading facilities, enhancing the stadium and trying to make Celtic stronger in every way.
‘Criticism and advice are welcome and are the right of every supporter, but some of what we have seen recently is not constructive, it is destructive and cynical. All it does is strengthen our resolve to protect the integrity and stability of Celtic Football Club.
‘Our board led by Peter and our executive led by Michael (Nicholson) are dedicated Celtic people. The attempts to dehumanise and vilify them are shameful.
‘These are people with families, they love the club every bit as much as anyone here and when we are not performing they suffer just as much as anyone. They work tirelessly, often under intense pressure.’
Desmond then insisted sections of fans were bringing the club into disrepute, referring to a recent incident during the match against Falkirk, which led to the Green Brigade being banned.
‘The incident a few weeks ago at Falkirk match was symptomatic of wider behaviour … these people are bullies and they try to hijack the behaviour of Celtic supporters.
‘We cannot allow them to define who we are. I’m well aware of the target I put on my back when I say this.’
Desmond was unable to finish what he was saying, with dozens of attendees rising their feet to shout him down.
Lawwell then brought the meeting to a close after 24 minutes and 11 seconds.
He said: ‘I’m going to have to apologise to those shareholders who were here today with the best interest of the club at heart. Particularly those who had a question that they wanted to ask later on. But, because of the disruption, we are going to draw the meeting to a close. I declare the meeting closed.’
Celtic later released a statement which effectively said there was no need to reschedule the meeting as the 17 resolutions had subsequently been dealt with.
It read: ‘Regrettably, due to the continuing disruptive conduct of a small number of individuals preventing the orderly management of today’s AGM, we were required to conclude the meeting earlier than we had planned.
‘Such conduct is completely unacceptable and hugely disappointing, and while today’s events are completely outwith our control, clearly we regret the impact on our shareholders who were deprived of the opportunity to take part in an orderly and constructive meeting.
‘Chairman Peter Lawwell called a poll on the resolutions at the end of the meeting, the results of which will be made available once counted and verified by our registrar, Computershare.
‘Should any shareholders wish to raise a question, they can do so by contacting our investor relations department and we will endeavour to respond to any queries.’
