celtic condemn fan protest targeting Dermot Desmond at Alfred Dunhill Links in St Andrews, where tennis balls with images of the club's largest shareholder Dermot Desmond's face scored out were thrown onto the 15th hole green. The club stated it will 'indefinitely ban' anyone established to be involved in planning, facilitating or participating in the protest, which it described as 'premeditated' and 'discussed and planned in advance'. Celtic said it will no longer recognise the Celtic Fans Collective as a representative body and will cease all engagement with the group.
The protest followed criticism of Desmond's influence at the club, with fans accusing him of using his wealth to avoid accountability. Desmond, 76, was escorted off the course by security after the incident. The Celtic Fans Collective had released a statement earlier, claiming Desmond had been allowed to run the club while hiding from supporters.
Desmond has faced criticism for the club's lack of European progress and transfer activity, and previously blamed Brendan Rodgers for early-season issues in 2025-26. At last November's abandoned AGM, his son Ross read a statement defending him and attacking critics as 'bullies'.
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