Peter Lawwell: Celtic chairman to step down from board following ‘intolerable’ abuse and threats
Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has revealed he is stepping down from the club’s board due to “abuse and threats”.
The 66-year-old joined Celtic in 2003 as chief executive and held that position for 18 years, before returning in 2023 as non-executive chairman.
However, he and other members of the club’s board have faced protests from supporters in recent months who have criticised their transfer activity and the long-term football strategy.
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During a turbulent spell off the pitch, there was also public questioning of the transfer process by former boss Brendan Rodgers, who resigned in October.
An open letter, backed by hundreds of signatories, representing tens of thousands of fans, was also issued to the board, plus the club’s AGM in November was abandoned after only 25 minutes with heckles of ‘sack the board’ from shareholders.
Lawwell steps down ‘with sadness’
In a statement, he said: “It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as chairman of Celtic FC.
“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, 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. I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.
“The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.
Celtic fans have protested against the board at various matches this season
“My time at the club has brought joy to someone whose memories as a Celtic fan include standing as a schoolboy on the terraces as the European Cup was paraded at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967.
“I have subsequently watched some great European nights at Paradise and am proud that the club has played group-stage football in all but two of the last 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.
“I also take great pleasure in the continuing and ever more substantial impact of Celtic FC Foundation. The club’s foundation impacts so many lives in the Celtic Family and far beyond. We are more than a football club and the foundation is the most obvious evidence of this truth.
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“Our achievements were all made possible by a dedicated workforce and a fervent support binding together. I am deeply proud and privileged to have been part of that.
“My life at the club has included dramatic ups and downs in football but they have also given me the experience, drive and desire which I will take on to my next project, whatever and wherever that may be.
“My thanks go to my many colleagues over the years who have supported me, and I am grateful to the coaches and players who delivered this era of remarkable and historic success.”
More to follow…
