'That is not Celtic at all': O'Neill condemns tennis ball protest aimed at Desmond

Martin O’Neill says a protest aimed at Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond while on a golf course is not what the club is about.

The Irish businessman was taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Saturday when he was targeted by protesters around 2pm.

Yellow tennis balls featuring Desmond’s face scored out were thrown onto the green by protesters.

Supporters group, the Celtic Fans Collective, said that the protest was designed to “send a message” to the majority shareholder, amid fan anger over the club’s Champions League exit and concerns over transfer signings.

In a statement released on Saturday night, Celtic condemned the “premeditated” action in “the strongest terms” and said action would be taken against the group.

Dermot Desmond during Day Three of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course SNS Group

In the wake of the fallout, leading fan group the Green Brigade announced its members were boycotting the club’s Europa League home matches or any Scottish Cup fixtures.

O’Neill, whose side suffered three defeats in a row before the international break, including two losses to rivals Rangers, says he doesn’t condone the form of protest.

He said: “I came into this situation this time last year and it seems to be going back to that again. I do not agree at all with what happened at St Andrews.

“That is not Celtic at all. I mean, we derided Rangers in the [Scottish Cup] game for wearing balaclavas and suddenly we’re doing it ourselves.

“I can’t control what supporters do, but I try to focus on what I am able to control.”

He added: “It is a really sad situation, if that is the case [Green Brigade boycott]. I wasn’t aware of it.

“When the club were together, towards the end of the season, we were unbeatable.”

O’Neill also revealed Portuguese winger Jota is nearing a return to action after 18 months on the sidelines.

Jota played 45 minutes of a training-ground friendly against Falkirk on Friday, and there is “every possibility” he could feature against Motherwell on Sunday, O’Neill said.

Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are also getting back on the training pitch following hamstring injuries.