Celtic condemn tennis ball protest aimed at Dermot Desmond at St Andrews
Celtic Football Club has issued a strong condemnation after protesters threw tennis balls at shareholder Dermot Desmond during a golf tournament. The club stated that while peaceful protest is allowed, the disruption at St Andrews crossed a line of acceptable behavior.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing tension between football club boards and fan groups regarding club management and accountability.
Celtic have condemned a protest which saw tennis balls thrown towards principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during his visit to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
Desmond – who has been criticised by supporters for a lack of progress on the pitch – was taking part in the pro-am event on Saturday when the protest took place on the green of the 15th hole.
Tennis balls with pictures of Desmond’s face crossed out were thrown on to the green. The 76-year-old was escorted off the course by security.
The Celtic Fans Collective later posted a statement on social media, which included video and pictures of the protest, calling for change at the top of the club and more “accountability”.
On Saturday evening, Celtic issued a lengthy and strongly-worded statement against the “premeditated action” which “brought shame upon” the name of the club.
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2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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