Chronological coverage updated 3rd October 2026 22:46.
Update 1 · 3rd October 2026
Celtic FC Condemns Fan Protest Targeting Shareholder Dermot Desmond
Celtic Football Club has strongly condemned a premeditated fan protest targeting its largest individual shareholder, Dermot Desmond, during the Alfred Dunhill Links pro-am golf tournament in St Andrews. During the event, tennis balls featuring the 76-year-old's crossed-out face were thrown onto the green at the 15th hole, resulting in security personnel escorting Desmond off the course.
In an official response, Celtic announced that anyone established to have been involved in planning, facilitating, or participating in the incident will face an indefinite ban from the club. Additionally, Celtic declared that it will no longer recognize or engage with the Celtic Fans Collective as a representative body for supporters, describing the demonstration as a planned action.
BBC News reportedly quoted Celtic Fans Collective (Supporter organisation representing Celtic fans) as saying: “Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability. Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue.”.
Growing Friction Between Board and Supporter Groups
Desmond has faced heightened criticism from sections of the Celtic fanbase in recent seasons over the team's European performances and transfer market activity. Tensions previously flared following the resignation of former manager Brendan Rodgers early last season, when Desmond publicly assigned blame to the former manager for early-season difficulties.
Celtic Football Club pledged an indefinite ban for any supporters verified to have planned, facilitated, or engaged in the St Andrews protest. — according to Celtic Football Club.
At Celtic's annual general meeting last November—which was abandoned due to audience unrest—Desmond's son Ross read a statement on his father's behalf defending the club's leadership and characterising aggressive criticism as unfair. The club previously suspended the Green Brigade ultras group following separate fan-related incidents.
- Celtic FC severed ties with the Celtic Fans Collective and imposed indefinite stadium bans over a golf tournament protest.
- The demonstration represents ongoing friction between Celtic's board and supporter groups over club governance.