Celtic fan group issue nine-part jibe aimed at Dermot Desmond as AGM request remains unanswered
Principal shareholder’s presence has been requested at upcoming AGM
“Colby Donovan was born, joined the Celtic academy, graduated from the Celtic academy and became a first team starter.”
Is one of nine things that has happened since principal shareholder Dermot Desmond last attended an AGM in 2006, as highlighted by Celtic Fans Collective. The fan group have called for the Irishman to front up and respond to scrutiny at their annual meeting on December 1 but are yet to receive a reply.
Over the past two decades, Desmond has often sent representatives to speak on his behalf at AGMs, including his son, Ross Desmond, who was at the centre of last year’s chaotic assembly, which was brought to a halt early by ex chairman Peter Lawwell. This time around, Celtic Fans Collective want to hear from the man himself and have now put his absence into perspective via X, referencing Donald Trump, Iron Man and the career of Neil Lennon among others.
Celtic Fans Collective issue ‘what has happened since’ thread
In a ‘what has happened since Dermot Desmond last attended an AGM?’ nine-part thread, some of the events noted by the group included:
- “Neil Lennon played for Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers. Then went on to manage Celtic twice, winning 5 titles, as well as 5 other clubs.
- Lionel Messi has scored 124 goals for Argentina (only 2 before the 2006 AGM), played in 3 world cup finals, Won 3 international trophies and retired twice.
- Donald Trump went from being a Reality TV and WWE personality to being elected as President twice.
- Iron man was released, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film. There has since been a further 37 MCU films.
- and.... Celtic have still not recorded a knockout stage win in Europe.”
Hoops fans demand Desmond’s presence at AGM
Behind the comical post is a very serious message from the fan group - that two decades is a very long time for Desmond not to be held accountable. Last week, a statement from Celtic Fans Collective partially 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.”