The Celtic Fans Collective has called on Dermot Desmond to face questions at the club's upcoming annual general meeting, ending a 20-year absence from the event.
Desmond, the major shareholder at Parkhead, has not appeared at an AGM for two decades despite wielding significant influence behind the scenes. Celtic have yet to announce a date for the shareholders meeting, though stock market rules require it to take place before the end of the year.
Supporters demand accountability
Twelve months ago, Desmond sent his son Ross as his representative, whose speech on behalf of the family triggered an outcry that led to the meeting being cut short. The Collective supporters group now wants Desmond to front up in person.
In a statement, the group said: "For twenty years, Dermot Desmond has not attended Celtic's Annual General Meeting, despite wielding considerable influence over the direction and decision-making of our club. Although only a minority shareholder, Desmond appears to exercise influence far beyond his shareholding."
The statement continued: "With that influence comes a responsibility to be accountable. We call on Dermot Desmond to publicly commit to attending the 2026 AGM in person and answer questions about his role in the running of Celtic Football Club. Sending his son, another representative or a prepared statement in his place is no substitute for attending personally."
Avoiding repeat of last year's chaos
Fans want answers from club officials over recent frustrations but are keen to avoid a repeat of last year's AGM chaos, when then chairman Peter Lawwell called a halt amid shareholders voicing their anger.
The statement said: "The decision by Peter Lawwell to prematurely conclude last year's AGM left a clear impression among supporters that the Board had taken an opportunity to avoid scrutiny. Responsibility for how that meeting was conducted and ultimately concluded rests entirely with the Board."
It added: "This year, however, the focus must be firmly on scrutiny rather than protest. There is a clear understanding across the support that the AGM must provide the opportunity for important questions to be put directly to those running the Club, without allowing scrutiny to be evaded once again."
Celtic supporters have repeatedly sought meaningful dialogue and a more constructive relationship with the club. The group said a public commitment from Desmond to attend the AGM in good faith would demonstrate his willingness to engage directly with supporters and shareholders.
