Celtic fan group call on Dermot Desmond to make 20-year first as board accused of avoiding scrutiny

Celtic Fans Collective have called on major shareholder Dermot Desmond to stop avoiding ‘scrutiny’ and attend an AGM meeting.

The Irishman, who holds a lot of power behind the scenes at Celtic Park, hasn’t attended a meeting since 2006. In recent years, Desmond has sent other representative, including his son Ross Desmond, to take his place, however the fan group are now calling for him to take some accountability and turn up himself. While a date hasn’t been pencilled in yet for the next AGM meeting, it is expected to take place before the end of the year due stock market laws.

Last year’s meeting was cut short by former club chairman Peter Lawwell for ‘disruption’ after fans expressed outrage from a Ross Desmond speech. This time around, the group are keen to focus more on ‘scrutiny rather than protest’ as they hope for some answers.

Celtic fans collective demand Desmond’s presence at AGM meeting

Their statement read: “For twenty years, Dermot Desmond has not attended Celtic's Annual General Meeting, despite wielding considerable influence over the direction and decision-making of our club. Although only a minority shareholder, Desmond appears to exercise influence far beyond his shareholding. With that influence comes a responsibility to be accountable.

“We call on Dermot Desmond to publicly commit to attending the 2026 AGM in person and answer questions about his role in the running of Celtic Football Club. Sending his son, another representative or a prepared statement in his place is no substitute for attending personally.”

Relations between the board and fan group hit a new low last month, when Desmond was interrupted during his round of golf in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships at St Andrew’s. Members of the group threw tennis balls onto the 15th green in protest of the 76-year old. The club then hit back with a statement describing their behaviour as ‘unacceptable’.

Chaotic AGM not to be repeated

The statement continued: “The decision by Peter Lawwell to prematurely conclude last year's AGM left a clear impression among supporters that the Board had taken an opportunity to avoid scrutiny. Responsibility for how that meeting was conducted and ultimately concluded rests entirely with the Board.”

“This year, however, the focus must be firmly on scrutiny rather than protest. There is a clear understanding across the support that the AGM must provide the opportunity for important questions to be put directly to those running the Club, without allowing scrutiny to be evaded once again.

“Celtic supporters have repeatedly sought meaningful dialogue and a more constructive relationship with the Club. At a time when fans want to see decisive leadership, a public commitment from Dermot Desmond to attend the AGM in good faith would be an important demonstration of his willingness to engage directly with supporters and shareholders.”