Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson has condemned the abuse directed at outgoing Chairman Peter Lawwell and described his resignation as a “sad day” for the club.
Lawwell confirmed he will step down at the end of 2025 after increasing hostility from sections of the support, including threats that have alarmed his family.
The announcement comes amid growing unrest among the Celtic fanbase, with protests at Celtic Park, banners calling for the board’s removal, and an abandoned AGM.
Supporters recently marched from St Mary’s in the Calton to Parkhead in protest at the current direction of the club.
However, the current unrest only ‘strengthens the board’s resolve’, Ross Desmond told the AGM, seconds before it was abandoned by outgoing chairman Peter Lawwell.
Addressing the situation, Nicholson said on the club’s website:
“We are hugely disappointed that Peter is standing down as Chairman, particularly in these circumstances. This is a sad day for Celtic. The abuse and threats directed towards Peter, and the impact on his family, are completely unacceptable. Such conduct will never be tolerated by the Club.
“I hope that there will be respect for Peter’s privacy and family life moving forward, and I wish Peter and his family all the best for the future.
“A lifelong supporter, with Celtic in his blood, Peter gave everything to the Club, working tirelessly and standing up for the Club with determination, passion and strength. Every decision he made was taken in the best interests of the Club and our supporters.
“Under his leadership at the Club, there have been many achievements on and off the pitch, and, through both good times and hard times, Peter has always been there for his colleagues.
“Everyone at the Club will miss Peter, but we will always value the hugely significant and influential part he has played in Celtic’s story across the past 21 years. I would like to thank Peter for this contribution, on behalf of all of his colleagues at Celtic.”
Lawwell’s decision to walk away comes at a time of heightened scrutiny, both on and off the pitch, with new manager Wilfried Nancy under pressure and the board the target of widespread criticism from supporters.
The club have confirmed that Brian Wilson will take over Lawwell’s position on an interim basis. He has already been at the club for over 20 years, after he joined Celtic in the summer of 2025, just after Martin O’Neill had left for the first time.
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