Celtic have issued a statement after the club’s largest individual shareholder, Dermot Desmond, was targeted by protestors.
The 76-year-old has come under fire for an apparent lack of progress on the pitch and had to be escorted off the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament at St Andrews after tennis balls with his face crossed out on them were thrown near him.
The Celtic Fans Collective claimed responsibility, later posting footage on social media, calling for change at the top of the club.
Celtic released a lengthy statement in response to the protest, saying they “brought shame upon” the name of the club.
It read: “Celtic Football Club has never sought to prevent supporters from expressing criticism of the club, its board or its shareholders.
“Supporters are entitled to disagree with decisions, to make their views known and to protest peacefully. What occurred at St Andrews represents a significant and unacceptable escalation.
“Those responsible have brought shame upon the name of Celtic Football Club and upon a reputation which generations of Celtic supporters have spent more than a century building.
“The club no longer accepts that the Celtic Fans Collective can credibly claim to represent the wider Celtic support.
Celtic issued a statement after the club’s major shareholder was targeted by protestors
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PA
“Those responsible for today’s events certainly do not speak for the many thousands of Celtic supporters who express their views passionately, peacefully and responsibly.”
The club said it would not be “intimidated or coerced by organised acts of disruption”, saying that a “line was crossed”.
The statement continued: “No supporter requires the permission of Celtic Football Club to disagree with its board.
“But equally, no supporter group has an entitlement to repeatedly disrupt events, intimidate individuals or seek to coerce the club and then claim to do so on behalf of the Celtic support.
![u200bDermot Desmond [right] had to be escorted off by security](https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/u200bdermot-desmond-right-had-to-be-escorted-off-by-security.jpg?id=68051910&width=980)
Dermot Desmond [right] had to be escorted off by security
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PA
“Celtic will continue to listen to and engage with supporters who wish to make their voices heard constructively and responsibly.
“There are many established channels through which supporters can do so, and today’s decision does not diminish the club’s commitment to meaningful supporter engagement.
“But engagement requires responsibility. The club will protect its employees, directors, shareholders and supporters. The reputation of Celtic Football Club is non-negotiable.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 2pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026, we were aware of tennis balls being thrown on the golf course in St Andrews. There were no reports of injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Martin O’Neill’s side went into the international break on the back of three straight defeats
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GETTYCeltic Fans Collective responded to the club’s message, describing Desmond as “notoriously thin-skinned”.
It read: “This tells Celtic supporters everything they need to know about Dermot Desmond and his priorities.
“He appears furious that ordinary working-class fans have dared to air their grievances in the safe, elitist world of golf, embarrassing him in front of the network of people whose opinions he appears to value far more than those of Celtic supporters.”
Celtic went into the international break on the back of three straight defeats, including two losses to fierce rivals Rangers.
They also came unstuck in their opening Europa League contest at home to Ferencvaros, losing 3-1.
