Celtic fans confronted principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, throwing tennis balls bearing his image at him as he played the 15th hole. The Irishman, accompanied by leading US golfer Brooks Koepka, was later escorted off the 18th hole by security personnel after continuing in the tournament.
Protest at St Andrews
The group, wearing balaclavas, targeted Desmond as he took part in the event, which features celebrities alongside professional players. His son Ross is also playing in the tournament.
Photographs have emerged of Desmond being accompanied off the course by security after the incident, with the Celtic Fans Collective issuing a statement along with footage and images of the protest.
Fan frustration
Desmond and the Celtic board have faced a succession of demonstrations over the last year. The Green Brigade ultras group were excluded for five months last season, while the Celtic Fans Collective had encouraged supporters not to renew their season tickets for the current campaign.
Frustration has persisted amongst the fanbase following a lacklustre beginning to the new season and another Champions League play-off disappointment.
Collective statement
The Celtic Fans Collective statement read: "Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability."
"Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue."
Desmond is the largest individual shareholder of the Scottish giants, but has been criticised in recent seasons for the club's lack of success in Europe and underwhelming transfer business.
