Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell to step down following threats and abuse from fans

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell is to step down from the club’s board, citing alarming threats and abuse as the reason for his decision.

The former Celtic chief executive took up the position of chairman in 2023 but has been one of the key figures targeted by a section of the support unhappy with the direction of the club.

In a statement released by the Celtic, Lawwell reflected on his achievements during his time at Parkhead but said that being targeted for abuse has been alarming for his family and that he did not need, and could not accept, the ongoing situation.

“It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as chairman of Celtic FC,” he said.

“I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman at the club have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.

“They have dismayed and alarmed my family. At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this, and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.

“The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.

“My time at the club has brought joy to someone whose memories as a Celtic fan include standing as a schoolboy on the terraces as the European Cup was paraded at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967.

“I have subsequently watched some great European nights at Paradise and am proud that the Club has played group-stage football in all but two of the last 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.

“I also take great pleasure in the continuing and ever more substantial impact of Celtic FC Foundation. The club’s Foundation impacts so many lives in the Celtic family and far beyond. We are more than a football club, and the Foundation is the most obvious evidence of this truth.

“Our achievements were all made possible by a dedicated workforce and fervent support, binding together. I am deeply proud and privileged to have been part of that.

“My life at the club has included dramatic ups and downs in football, but they have also given me the experience, drive and desire which I will take on to my next project, whatever and wherever that may be.

“My thanks go to my many colleagues over the years who have supported me, and I am grateful to the coaches and players who delivered this era of remarkable and historic success.”

Dermot Desmond (right) said Lawwell was 'the driving force' behind Celtic during his time at the club. — Dermot Desmond (right) said Lawwell was ‘the driving force’ behind Celtic during his time at the club. SNS Group

Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said that Lawwell had been an important figure in the club’s success this century and has “served the club brilliantly”.

“I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our chairman,” Desmond said. “But I understand and respect his decision, in light of recent events and what he has endured.

“I want to pay tribute to Peter for all he has given Celtic over so many years. As Chief Executive, Peter was the driving force of the club, and in his later role as chairman, he oversaw board affairs.

“Peter has witnessed 38 cup or title triumphs in his time at the club, a period of extraordinary domestic dominance for us as we have also competed in European football.

“Peter has also overseen the building of our training centre at Lennoxtown, the creation of the new facility at Barrowfield and the upgrading of Celtic Park, all of which were underpinned by the financial stability which has become the cornerstone of the club under his leadership.

“Celtic is in a strong position to withstand whatever the future may throw at us.”

Celtic fans hold up flags against Michael Nicholson, Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell during a William Hill Premiership match SNS Group

Lawwell spent nearly two decades as chief executive before stepping down in 2021, and oversaw the club winning numerous titles and competing in Europe. He served on Scottish FA and SPFL committees and was also a board member of the European Club Association, representing his club and Scottish football’s interests, rising to the position of vice-chairman in 2023.

In 2021, his family home was targeted in a firebomb attack when vehicles were doused in fuel before being set alight in the early hours of the morning.

Speaking at the time, Lawwell said the family had been “deeply affected” by the incident, but had drawn comfort from “literally thousands of messages of support” from Celtic fans and the football community.

After returning to Celtic as chairman, Lawwell was targeted by fans who were unhappy at the stewardship of the club and demanded that he, chief executive Michael Nicholson, and chief financial officer Chris McKay leave the club.

Banners depicting the three were regularly displayed during Celtic matches, and disruption at the club’s AGM last month saw Lawwell cancel the meeting.

In the statement announcing Lawwell’s departure, Nicholson said that the events that led to the chairman’s decision were “completely unacceptable” and that it was a sad day for the club.

“We are hugely disappointed that Peter is standing down as chairman, particularly in these circumstances,” he said.

This is a sad day for Celtic. The abuse and threats directed towards Peter, and the impact on his family, are completely unacceptable. Such conduct will never be tolerated by the club.

“I hope that there will be respect for Peter’s privacy and family life moving forward, and I wish Peter and his family all the best for the future.

“A lifelong supporter, with Celtic in his blood, Peter gave everything to the club, working tirelessly and standing up for the club with determination, passion and strength. Every decision he made was taken in the best interests of the club and our supporters.

“Under his leadership at the club, there have been many achievements on and off the pitch, and, through both good times and hard times, Peter has always been there for his colleagues.

“Everyone at the club will miss Peter, but we will always value the hugely significant and influential part he has played in Celtic’s story across the past 21 years. I would like to thank Peter for this contribution, on behalf of all of his colleagues at Celtic.

“I would also like to thank Brian Wilson for accepting the role of interim chairman, taking over from Peter from January 1, 2026. We all look forward to working with Brian as the board considers future composition and succession.”