Dermot Desmond blasted by broadcast legend as Irishman labelled 'absentee Celtic landlord'
A celebrated Scottish broadcaster tore into the Celtic board and principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during a passionate address at a club charity event.Lifelong Hoops supporter Bernard Ponsonby delivered a withering verdict on the embattled Parkhead hierarchy at a fundraiser supporting the Celtic FC Foundation, demanding change in an eloquent, far-reaching critique of the club's current trajectory.The former STV Political Editor pulled no punches as he targeted "absentee landlord" Desmond and son Ross over their full-scale assault on a section of the fanbase during November's explosive AGM.Seasoned journalist Ponsonby also maintained that nothing will shift as long as Irish businessman Desmond retains his grip on Celtic Park, lamenting the club's persistent failures in Europe and condemning its communications approach, which has drawn fierce criticism from disgruntled supporters.Season ticket holder Ponsonby also admitted he has grown so disillusioned with the current situation that, for the very first time, he is weighing up whether to renew his treasured seat for the 2026/27 season, reports the Daily Record.You can read the entire transcript below:"Forget the ultras groups, they are statistically insignificant in terms of the worldwide fan base. It is the core of the support who have lost patience. Sack the board is a slogan, it's not a strategy."The obvious way to sack the board is to vote directors off at an AGM but everyone knows that the numbers aren't there. And there is little point in sacking one set of directors to be replaced by another set of directors unless the business model changes."I want change but I'm not blind to the fact that change of itself comes with risk."If Mr Desmond remains, I suspect nothing much changes. It's not clear to me who would take over if he decides to sell up and whether new investors would actually get what the support is all about."The last 25 years have been a period of unparalleled dominance and frankly you would have to be blinded by irrationality not to pay tribute to many of the people who have been in leadership roles in the club because they have overseen that period of sustained dominance."But the repeated failures on the European stage and the inability to defeat teams with vastly inferior budgets are a sobering reminder that domestic dominance is not what the support craves."Now we all travel, and I'm always struck that there is a soft spot for Celtic in many other countries. This is partly down to the mystique that the unique history of the club evokes. But it is primarily down to the people who support the club."The best ambassadors for the club are those who support the club. What does Celtic mean to me? Not trophies or European Cups or even Quadruple Trebles."Yes, they bring excitement and joy. But what this club means is bigger than the material. This dinner is an aid of the Foundation."The Foundation, above all else, is the spirit of this club and it is bigger than winning any trophy. To help a family in need, to make a difference to those less fortunate than ourselves, for me that is the very essence of what it means to be Celtic."There is an almost spiritual quality to the club which is why it is ultimately for all of us an affair of the heart."I am never happier than in the company of fellow supporters. For over 130 years the support have defined the club. The support are indivisible from the heroes on the pitch."We all feel it and we all get it. There is of course one thing that would relegate the ill feeling and that is success on the pitch particularly in Europe."It is a truism that boards are always the target when things go wrong. It is the same at every single club."The communication simply has to be better. Whoever the directors are. And absentee landlords and their offspring reading the Riot Act simply will not do it."Season ticket renewal is about soon and for the first time in my life I have actually questioned if I will renew. I know I will but the fact that I even have to ask the question speaks volumes. I hope for better days ahead."When Tommy Burns became manager of the club he said at his first press conference that he wanted to put something back that had been missing and he said that thing that was missing was Celtic. Amen to that."I would like to thank the club for inviting me tonight and it is a great pleasure to share a table with Sean Fallon Jr. and Brian McClair. Sean Sr. was widely regarded as a great gent. Someone who made me feel proud that he represented our club."Brian was a great player for us. My favourite goal, the third against Sporting Lisbon on the stroke of half time when we overcame a two goal deficit on November 2, 1983."It is also my favourite Arthur Montford commentary and if you have not seen the game, check it out on YouTube. That was a magical night. I left the ground utterly buzzing. Only defeating Barcelona for the club's 125th anniversary made me higher."Great games and great times. They seem a world away from this season. The turbulence will settle and what will be will be. Whatever happens we will still be there in spirit and in song. Players, managers, ambassadors and heroes."But the greatest accolade you can ever have is to call yourself a supporter. Hail, Hail and here's to better days ahead."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
