The Celtic Fans Collective have called upon majority shareholder Dermot Desmond to attend his first AGM in 20 years.
Desmond and the Celtic board have come under heavy scrutiny due to their management over the club in recent years. There has been a lack of ambition shown by club leaders, and the last two summer transfer windows have been perfect examples of how poor some of the strategy has been.
Tensions have been growing between fans and the club, with the former calling upon the latter to strike up some sort oc communication between the two.
A group of Celtic fans recently protested Desmond in person at a gold event at St Andrews, which triggered an angry club statement.
There has been little said since then, but with an AGM taking place before the end of the year, as per stock market laws, the Celtic Fans Collective is now calling upon majority shareholder Desmond to attend in-person, which he hasn't done in two decades.
Desmond does not have to apply by law, but fans are hoping to be able to air their grievances to him in this year's meeting, while it's also hoped this year's edition is a little more civilised, given last year's was cut short after an angry reaction to a speech by Ross Desmond.
The full Celtic Fans Collective statement
“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.
“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.”
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