Celtic's AGM quickly adjourned as board members jeered
Celtic's annual general meeting was abandoned as shareholders jeered when director Ross Desmond accused some fans of being "bullies".
Chairman Peter Lawwell called the meeting to a close "because of disruption" as Desmond read out a statement on behalf of himself and his father Dermot, the club’s largest shareholder, who was not present.
The AGM had earlier been adjourned for half an hour less than five minutes in and was ultimately called to a halt an hour after it started.
Desmond began his statement by defending his father, a "lifelong and passionate" Celtic supporter and vowed that the board would not be "bullied by aggressive and irrational" criticism.
The Irishman defended Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson and claimed attempts to "dehumanise and vilify them are shameful".
Desmond went on to criticise a section of fans over a recent incident which led to the Green Brigade being banned and added: "Those people are bullies".
That was as far as he got in his statement as the reaction of the shareholders prompted Lawwell to bring the meeting to a close.
Directors had been met with boos and dozens of red cards from shareholders as they entered the packed Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park, with other fans watching via video link from another function suite.
Cries of "out, out, out" followed before there were cheers for interim manager Martin O'Neill when he was introduced.
Interim boss Martin O'Neill received a warm welcome
As a season review video began to play on big screens, Celtic Trust vice-chair Jeanette Findlay approached the top table to ask that the meeting move immediately to questions.
As more shouts and chants of "sack the board" came from shareholders, Lawwell said: "This disruptive behaviour is not on. It’s got to stop. We have to have respect for everyone else in the room."
Amid shouts of "you respect us", Lawwell called a 30-minute adjournment.
After the meeting resumed, dozens of fans walked out as a series of videos were played on big screens as Lawwell, Nicholson and chief finance officer Chris McKay defended the board’s record.
They returned after the videos in anticipation of the usual question-and-answer session but Desmond’s statement proved to be the final act.
The board has been under major criticism from supporters groups over the club’s summer transfer business and failure to qualify for the Champions League.
A club statement in the wake of the AGM slammed the "disruptive conduct" of some of those present.
"Regrettably, due to the continuing disruptive conduct of a small number of individuals preventing the orderly management of today's AGM, we were required to conclude the meeting earlier than we had planned," it read.
"Such conduct is completely unacceptable and hugely disappointing, and while today’s events are completely out of our control, clearly we regret the impact on our shareholders who were deprived of the opportunity to take part in an orderly and constructive meeting.
"Chairman Peter Lawwell called a poll on the resolutions at the end of the meeting, the results of which will be made available once counted and verified by our registrar, Computershare.
"Should any shareholders wish to raise a question, they can do so by contacting our investor relations department and we will endeavour to respond to any queries."
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