The Celtic Fans Collective has accused Dermot Desmond of hiding from supporters after the principal shareholder was targeted during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
The Irishman, who is competing in the celebrity and professional golf event, had his round disrupted by supporters wearing balaclavas. A group threw tennis balls with images of Desmond attached onto the green as he played the 15th hole. He was later seen being ushered away by course security at the 18th hole after completing his round.
Fan group statement
Following the incident, the Celtic Fans Collective released a statement alongside videos and pictures of the protest and Desmond's reaction. It 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."
Police Scotland confirmed they are aware of the incident. A spokesperson told The Sun: "Around 2pm on Saturday, 3 October 2026, we were aware of tennis balls being thrown on the golf course in St Andrews. There were no reports of injuries. Enquiries are ongoing."
Background of protests
The Celtic Fans Collective and other supporter groups have led demonstrations against the Parkhead hierarchy in recent months amid calls for sweeping changes in the Celtic boardroom. The Green Brigade ultras group were locked out for five months last season, while the Collective had urged fans not to renew their season tickets for the new campaign.
They also urged supporters to avoid spending extra cash at the club with the 'Not Another Penny' campaign, which appeared to have an impact on the recent accounts.
