Celtic fans in fresh protest against board in wake of Brendan Rodgers departure
Celtic fans in fresh protest against board in wake of Brendan Rodgers departure
Dermot Desmond, Michael Nicholson and Peter Lawwell came under fire at Parkhead.
Celtic fans continued their on-going protest against the club’s board outside Parkhead ahead of the William Hill Premiership game against Falkirk.
The gathering was led by Celtic Fans Collective, an umbrella group of supporters formed in the wake of discontent over summer transfer business and failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Hundreds of fans chanted against Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond, chief executive Michael Nicholson and chairman Peter Lawwell with several flares lit to add some colour to the dark October night.
The protest took place as the interim management team of Martin O’Neill – a former Celtic boss – and ex-Hoops player Shaun Maloney prepared for their first game in the technical area after Brendan Rodgers sensationally resigned on Monday night.
The Northern Irishman departed along with assistant John Kennedy and the move was followed by a scathing assessment of Rodgers by the influential Desmond.
Desmond blamed recent failings on “one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others” and accused Rodgers of “divisive, misleading, and self-serving” behaviour which “contributed to a toxic atmosphere” and “fuelled hostility” towards board members.
Celtic fans are planning to stage another protest, this time against the club’s board, following the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers. The fans, who have been expressing their discontent with the board’s handling of the transfer window and the treatment of Rodgers, will gather outside the Main Stand at Celtic Park before the team’s match against Falkirk.
The Celtic Fans Collective has called on supporters to attend the protest, citing a lack of trust in the club’s communications and a perceived disconnect between the board and the manager. The group also criticized principal shareholder Dermot Desmond’s statement, which they believe publicly undermined Rodgers and highlighted the board’s weakness in standing up to Desmond ¹ ².
The controversy surrounding Rodgers’ departure has sparked a wider debate about the club’s leadership, with many fans questioning the board’s decision-making and transfer strategy. The fans’ protest aims to send a clear message to the board, demanding change and accountability.
This development comes as the club prepares for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 21, where shareholders will vote on key resolutions. The Celtic Fans Collective has been working with small shareholders to raise concerns about the club’s governance and transfer policy ².
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by Celtic fans, who have been vocal in their criticism of the board’s handling of the team. The fans’ frustration stems from the perceived lack of transparency and accountability within the club’s leadership, particularly in light of Rodgers’ departure and the transfer window mishandling ¹ ³.
*Key Issues:*
– *Transfer Window Mishandling*: Fans are unhappy with the board’s handling of transfers, citing a lack of quality signings and poor negotiation.
– *Lack of Trust*: Fans have lost trust in the club’s communications, feeling that the board is not transparent about its decision-making.
– *Board Accountability*: Fans are demanding change and accountability from the board, particularly in light of Rodgers’ departure
