Dermot Desmond was in attendance at Celtic Park last night as the pressure on the club’s leadership intensified following a dismal 3-0 defeat to Roma in the Europa League.

The major shareholder was spotted in the directors’ box by SNS cameras during the match, making a rare public appearance at a time when relations between the board and sections of the support are as strained as they’ve been in years.

Interestingly, when TNT Sports cameras later panned across the same section, Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson was seen sitting in what looked to be Desmond’s seat.

Also present at the match was Desmond’s son Ross, who, just a few weeks ago, launched a scathing attack on supporters, accusing them of being “bullies”.

With protests against the board continuing and fan anger growing after back-to-back defeats under new manager Wilfried Nancy, Desmond’s presence will not have gone unnoticed.

The timing, on the night of one of Celtic’s worst home European performances in recent memory, only adds to the scrutiny facing the club’s top brass.

Sunday’s League Cup Final against St Mirren now arrives with massive stakes, not just for Nancy, but for a board that’s increasingly at odds with large parts of the support.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Well, his manager pick certainly embarrassed him last night in front of the fans and all of Europe. Now the call has to be not only “sack the Board” but “sack the Board and Nancy”. You’re doing a wonderful job Dermot!!

  3. I hope Dermot Desmond saw what happens when you blame the fans. The team last night was not fit for purpose. I understand we have injuries, but Brendan Rodgers told you in the summer what was needed: a right winger to replace Nicholas Kuhn and a striker for Kyogo Furuhashi. When you bring in players over the manager’s head, calling them club signings, you waste money instead of doing proper scouting. Agents tell you what players are available, yet you ignore what the manager wants. I hope Dermot Desmond noticed the fans walking out last night. We won’t blame the manager entirely; the players share some responsibility, but the truth is these players are not good enough. The manager should get what he needs. To escape this mess, back him with the players he wants, not those suggested by agents, as we know there’s no real scouting at Celtic. This penny-pinching mentality must stop. I urge every Celtic fan not to buy merchandise or support sponsors. The people running this club are not truly in charge; they have to request an extra £200,000 to bring in Luke McGowan. Financial restraints must be lifted. Clubs laughed at us this summer; our business practices are unprofessional, and they dread dealing with this amateurish outfit of a club.

    Domestic success is commendable, but Celtic has been stagnant for years. We reach a certain level, and the club pulls back, as if unwilling to strive for more. At least make an effort to push boundaries and see what can be achieved. Fans will forgive you for trying. While you may not view us as a big club, we have significant potential; qualifying for the Champions League is crucial, as is backing the manager. If you can’t elevate Celtic, step aside for someone who can. If you believe you’re the right person, stop resisting the fans and join us in this effort. Criticism can be constructive, helping you progress. If you’re unwilling to change, I’m prepared to endure a few bad seasons for you to leave.
    I haven’t mentioned our new manager, but I will address Peter Lawwell, Paul Tisdale, Dermot Desmond, Ross Desmond, and Michael Nicholson. It’s time for these individuals to either depart or fully support our new manager, providing him with everything he needs to succeed.

  4. Hopefully Dermot noticed the lack of atmosphere in the stadium last night.
    Whatever anyone says about him, he is not a fool.
    Celtic fans have for years tolerated an under performing Board and business model.
    When the world went through the pandemic, Celtic lost somewhere in the region of £16M and those losses were greatly reduced because the fans continued to pour money into the club. Our club could now survive TWO pandemic and have cash to spare so for members of our Board to say they will not jeopardise the future of the club they are talking nonsense.
    Celtic fans will forgive many things but not unnecessary, wanton neglect of the team when so much revenue lies in an account somewhere.
    Celtic is at its best when united but right now because of the actions of the Board we are as divided as we’ve been since 1993/4.
    The defenders of the Board continually harp back to 1994 when the club came close to Administration however the difference to that time could not be greater.
    Celtic are the only club in Scotland making money, therefore domestic dominance is the minimum we should expect. We aren’t being arrogant in suggesting that, it is a matter of simple truth: if you have a massive advantage over every other business then you should be the most successful.

  6. As if any of these high earners give a fuc£ what’s written oawn these pages.

    We’re awe poor, charity noo begins at sta start of tha geme.

    Buy a proper defence and attack, then work towardz tha middle.

    Then beef up everywan.
    Last night nae Celtic player cud be arsed chasin anythin but tha Roman player shadaz.

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