Celtic's board has recommended that shareholders vote against three of four resolutions proposed by supporters ahead of the annual general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 1. The board has also defended Ross Desmond's speech at last year's ill-fated AGM, which was abandoned amid chaos.
Board rejects strategic review demand
The first resolution calls on the club to prepare a strategic review and publish a report with a football, financial, and strategic five-year plan. The board rejected this, stating that "such a level of detail would place the Company at a competitive disadvantage." Instead, the board will seek to improve communication through Celtic Connect, the newly formed fan engagement group.
Security review and Green Brigade ban
A second resolution asks for a full review of security operations at Celtic Park, citing safety concerns raised by the Green Brigade. The ultras group claims "Celtic has placed too much faith in a policing-led model of supporter management, and in doing so has created a security culture focused on surveillance, restriction and control rather than protection, engagement and trust." The board rejected this, citing instances of "unacceptable conduct within Celtic Park" that led to the Green Brigade being banned from the stadium last season.
Board defends Ross Desmond's speech
The third resolution, submitted by the Celtic Trust, demands "a full and unreserved apology" following Ross Desmond's speech at last year's AGM. The pre-written statement, issued on behalf of his father Dermot Desmond, accused some anti-board protestors of being "bullies." The board defended the speech, arguing it "was a robust defence of Celtic Football Club, its long-term stewardship and the dedication of those responsible for its management."
The board's full responses detail its reasoning for rejecting each resolution. Regarding Resolution 16, the board notes the existing strategic report in the annual report and argues that publishing forward-looking statements would place the company at a competitive disadvantage. For Resolution 17, the board asserts that the safety and security team is "effectively led, very strong and vastly experienced" and that the company is not subject to any legal proceedings in respect of safety or security at Celtic Park. On Resolution 18, the board rejects the premise that Ross Desmond's participation was illegitimate, stating that his speech "acknowledged mistakes and the need for continued improvement, while expressly praising the overwhelming majority of Celtic supporters."
The AGM will take place on December 1, with shareholders able to question chief executive Michael Nicholson and Brian Wilson. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has not attended the summit since 2006.
