Celtic's current state is dysfunctional, with fan unrest growing over poor performances and boardroom tensions, according to pundit Hugh Keevins. The launch of a new fan forum, Celtic Connect, has been met with skepticism, with Keevins questioning its purpose.
Fan Unrest and Poor Form
Celtic fans are in a state of high agitation, with the football from Martin O'Neill's team described as "rubbish" apart from a half-hour spell in the Europa League against Besiktas. The atmosphere inside the ground is muted, verging on mutinous, following a narrow 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock, the Premiership's bottom club.
The upcoming AGM, scheduled for two weeks from now, could be more about "Martial law than company law" as tensions rise. The board has urged shareholders to block various motions that supporters want to debate.
Board and Shareholder Tensions
The Celtic Trust, a fan group, is demanding a "Full and unreserved" apology regarding a statement that Ross Desmond, son of principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, began reading at last year's AGM before the meeting was abandoned. The club has dismissed the idea of an apology, describing Desmond junior's words as a "robust defence" of the club.
The Green Brigade has also accused Celtic of upholding stadium policing by creating a "Security culture focused on surveillance, restriction and control rather than protection, engagement and trust."
Celtic Connect Forum Questioned
Celtic have launched a forum called Celtic Connect to allow fans to have a greater say on the club's future and improve communications. However, Keevins argues that the directors and chief executive Michael Nicholson do not have a say on the club's future, which is set out by the principal shareholder alone.
Keevins suggests the forum will simply create another group for Dermot Desmond to ignore, asking "What is the point?" He draws a parallel with the decision to drop Haissem Hassan from the matchday squad against Kilmarnock, with the manager saying he was "trying to do as much manoeuvring as possible."
Upcoming Fixtures and AGM
Celtic will face St Mirren at home on Saturday, then visit Portuguese second tier side Torreense in Europe, before playing Hearts at Tynecastle. The AGM comes 48 hours after that round of fixtures, and the mood in the hall will depend on whether O'Neill's side remain top of the league and retain a theoretical chance of advancement in Europe.
