Celtic Football Club has been plunged into a fresh crisis after its chairman, Peter Lawwell, declared he will stand down from his role at the end of December. Lawwell cited 'intolerable' abuse and threats from a section of the club's support as the primary reason for his departure.
A Sudden Exit Amidst Sporting Struggles
Lawwell's announcement intensifies the sense of turmoil surrounding the Scottish champions, who are currently experiencing a dismal run of form. The news follows a painful League Cup final defeat to St Mirren on Sunday, which marked a third consecutive loss for the team under new manager Wilfried Nancy. The club is now winless in three matches since his appointment.
In a strongly-worded statement, Lawwell expressed his dismay at the treatment directed at him and his family. "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," he said. "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."
Mounting Pressure and Fan Frustration
The former chief executive, along with fellow board members, has faced escalating criticism from the Celtic fanbase in recent times. Key factors fuelling the discontent include:
- Perceived errors in the transfer market, which contributed to the departure of former manager Brendan Rodgers.
- A shock exit from the Champions League at the qualifying stage to Kazakh side Kairat Almaty.
- Ongoing tensions with the club's prominent ultras group, the Green Brigade.
This toxic backdrop has created a hostile environment that Lawwell stated he can no longer endure. "I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life," he concluded.
Club Reaction and Immediate Aftermath
Celtic's chief executive, Michael Nicholson, described the development as "a sad day for Celtic," condemning the abuse as "completely unacceptable." The club's principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, said he was 'personally very sorry' to lose Lawwell but respected his decision in light of recent events.
To ensure continuity, Brian Wilson, a non-executive director with over two decades of service at Celtic Park, will step into the role of interim chairman. Lawwell's departure marks the end of a significant 21-year association with the club, leaving a major void at the top during a period of pronounced sporting and institutional difficulty.
