Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond had tennis balls thrown towards him during the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament at St Andrews, as supporters staged a protest against the running of the club.
The 76-year-old, who has been criticised by fans for an apparent lack of progress on the pitch, was taking part in the pro-am event on Saturday when the disruption occurred on the green of the 15th hole. The tennis balls thrown on to the green carried pictures of Desmond’s face crossed out. He was then escorted off the course by security.
The Celtic Fans Collective later posted a statement on X, alongside video and pictures of the protest, calling for change at the top of the club. “Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability,” the statement read. “Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue.”
The demonstration comes against a mixed backdrop on the field. Martin O’Neill’s side claimed the Premiership title ahead of Hearts after a final-day decider last season as part of a domestic double, and currently sit top of the table, two points clear of rivals Rangers. Celtic, however, lost their last three games before the international break, including two defeats by Rangers, one of them at Parkhead, and were also beaten 3-1 at home by Ferencvaros in their opening Europa League fixture.