Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond found himself at the centre of fan protests during a round of golf at St Andrews, with supporters throwing tennis balls at him on the 15th hole. The demonstration came as the Hotline phone-in showed little sympathy for the Irish billionaire, despite some questioning the wisdom of targeting his favourite pastime.
Hotline Callers Split on St Andrews Protest
David Beattie from Rothesay said: "So Dermot was humiliated in front of his beloved golf pals? Deary me! Is this the same guy who runs Celtic his way or no way and publicly shamed and humiliated Brendan Rodgers, a man who won him countless trophies and who dared to tell everyone how it really was? Time to go Desmond and take your son and board with you and let people that want to come in and take Celtic to the next level do so. And to all Celtic supporters out there ...MORE BALLS PLEASE!"
Paul McCormack from Coatbridge described the protest as not looking well on the club and fans, but questioned what supporters should do to get communication from Desmond. He noted that within 24 hours, Desmond released another statement through Celtic FC condemning the incident, mainly because he was personally embarrassed.
However, Robert Livingstone from Palm Beach suggested there are better ways to make feelings known. He said: "It's certainly a lot safer throwing tennis balls onto the golf course than fireworks or flares but interrupting the old fella's day having a relaxing game of golf doesn't make a lot of sense at all. Seems silly."
Striker Kasper Hogh's Form Under Scrutiny
Away from the golf course, Celtic face another issue with striker Kasper Hogh. The Danish forward arrived from Bodo/Glimt with an £11million price tag but has drawn a blank in eight of his nine appearances for the Hoops so far.
Stephen Mulhern from Dumbarton proposed a plan to get the record signing firing. He said: "I watched intently when Kasper Hogh came off the bench in the latter stages of the Nations League match last night, hoping he would score to give him a massive boost going into our fixture at Fir Park on Sunday. But sadly, just like playing for Celtic, he looked an isolated figure up front. It's the biggest mystery since the Bermuda Triangle that a proven Champions League goalscorer so far hasn't replicated his form in a hoops shirt. And my cunning plan to get his career back on track is for the Celtic coaching staff to sit him down in front of a telly at Lennoxtown in replaying his goals in the Champions League, which will ultimately boost his confidence."
Tennent's Sixes Conspiracy Claims Emerge
Celtic's Tennent's Sixes win has also come under scrutiny, with claims of rule manipulation. Scott Gowers from Edinburgh emailed: "Celtic and the officials deserve praise regarding their Tennent's Sixes win. Aiden McGeady twice had a foul against him in the final both for sliding challenges yet the stipulated rules for all clubs did not apply to the Celtic player. Celtic, I believe, have played first in every Tennents sixes semi-final, which they have appeared in, giving a distinct advantage in the final (fitness-wise)."
Gowers also claimed that player squads were meant to be submitted prior to the tournament kick off, but after Celtic's opening day 7-1 thrashing by Rangers, Celtic were afforded an added luxury of adding Efe Ambrose. He said: "This seems like another clear manipulation of the rules in Celtic's favour. Officials not being biased in Scottish football is very questionable when I have made valid points prior regarding protocols and rules not applying in the SPL, the SWPL and now the Tennent's Sixes, the bias is no longer hidden when rules don't apply to one club. All football fans including seek is the equality and integrity that the SFA claim they operate by, unfortunately facts prove otherwise."
Not everyone took the Sixes so seriously. After Celtic's comeback win over Rangers secured the trophy, Rab Picken from London joked: "Any truth in the rumour that after the two absolute humiliations at the hands of Rangers recently, the Celtic support are planning a party in Trongate to celebrate the Tennent's Sixes win?"
Peter Lyons from Blantyre took delight in seeing rivals finish another tournament empty-handed. He added: "Oh dear, I see the Blue room is still Bare after last night. And Wee Barry... Wagga and Halliday could not take it with Big Charlie Mulgrew celebrating."
