SNS GroupCeltic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has been urged to answer concerns at the club’s annual general meeting as a prominent fans group signalled this year’s event would focus on “scrutiny rather than protest”.
The chairman Peter Lawwell abandoned the meeting last year amid a noisy reaction to a statement being read out by Ross Desmond, the principal shareholder’s son.
Celtic fans have continued to campaign for boardroom change amid struggles in the transfer market and European football.
The only significant change in the hierarchy since has been the departure of Lawwell late last year and the interim appointment of Brian Wilson, who still fills the role.
A statement from the Celtic Fans Collective read: “For 20 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.
“Sending his son, another representative or a prepared statement in his place is no substitute for attending personally.
“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.”
No date has yet been set for the meeting.
Celtic announced in September that Mark Keane and Raymond Buchanan would become non-executive directors.
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