Chaos erupted at Celtic’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), leading to its abrupt abandonment. The core issue? Accusations of bullying and disruptive behavior from both sides, creating a highly charged atmosphere. This incident, updated on November 21, 2025, reveals a deep rift between the club’s leadership and a segment of its fanbase.
The meeting was cut short as shareholders voiced their discontent, with director Ross Desmond at the center of the storm. He read a statement on behalf of himself and his father, Dermot Desmond, the club’s largest shareholder, who was not present.
Before the meeting was ultimately halted, it was adjourned for half an hour less than five minutes in and was ultimately called to a halt an hour after it started. Desmond’s statement, however, ignited the powder keg. He defended his father, a ‘lifelong and passionate’ Celtic supporter, and declared that the board would not be ‘bullied by aggressive and irrational’ criticism. He also defended Chairman Peter Lawwell and Chief Executive Michael Nicholson, calling attempts to ‘dehumanise and vilify them shameful.’
But here’s where it gets controversial… Desmond didn’t hold back, directly criticizing a faction of fans, referencing a recent incident that led to the Green Brigade being banned, and boldly labeling them ‘bullies.’ This statement was met with immediate backlash from shareholders, prompting Chairman Lawwell to end the meeting.
Directors were greeted with boos and red cards, a clear sign of the shareholders’ displeasure. Interim manager Martin O’Neill received cheers, offering a brief respite from the tension. The meeting was then adjourned for 30 minutes. When the meeting resumed, dozens of fans walked out. Lawwell, Nicholson, and Chief Finance Officer Chris McKay defended the board’s record through a series of videos. However, Desmond’s statement proved to be the final act.
The board has faced significant criticism from fan groups over the club’s summer transfer dealings and their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
And this is the part most people miss… The club issued a statement afterwards, condemning the ‘disruptive conduct’ of some attendees. It expressed regret that shareholders were deprived of a constructive meeting. A poll on the resolutions was called at the end of the meeting, with results to be released later. Shareholders with questions were encouraged to contact the investor relations department.
What do you think? Do you agree with Desmond’s assessment of the fans, or do you believe the board is out of touch? Was the reaction of the shareholders justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!