Celtic condemn tennis ball protest aimed at Dermot Desmond at St Andrews

Celtic have condemned a protest which saw tennis balls thrown towards principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during his visit to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.Desmond – who has been criticised by supporters for a lack of progress on the pitch – was taking part in the pro-am event on Saturday when the protest took place on the green of the 15th hole.Tennis balls with pictures of Desmond’s face crossed out were thrown on to the green. The 76-year-old was escorted off the course by security.The Celtic Fans Collective later posted a statement on social media, which included video and pictures of the protest, calling for change at the top of the club and more “accountability”.READ MOREOn Saturday evening, Celtic issued a lengthy and strongly-worded statement against the “premeditated action” which “brought shame upon” the name of the club.“Celtic Football Club has never sought to prevent supporters from expressing criticism of the club, its board or its shareholders,” the statement read. “Supporters are entitled to disagree with decisions, to make their views known and to protest peacefully. What occurred at St Andrews represents a significant and unacceptable escalation.“Those responsible have brought shame upon the name of Celtic Football Club and upon a reputation which generations of Celtic supporters have spent more than a century building.“The club no longer accepts that the Celtic Fans Collective can credibly claim to represent the wider Celtic support. Those responsible for today’s events certainly do not speak for the many thousands of Celtic supporters who express their views passionately, peacefully and responsibly.”Celtic said the club would not be “intimidated or coerced by organised acts of disruption”, adding “there is a line between protest and deliberate disruption. Today, that line was crossed.”The statement concluded: “No supporter requires the permission of Celtic Football Club to disagree with its board. But equally, no supporter group has an entitlement to repeatedly disrupt events, intimidate individuals, or seek to coerce the club and then claim to do so on behalf of the Celtic support.“Celtic will continue to listen to and engage with supporters who wish to make their voices heard constructively and responsibly. There are many established channels through which supporters can do so, and today’s decision does not diminish the club’s commitment to meaningful supporter engagement.“But engagement requires responsibility. The club will protect its employees, directors, shareholders and supporters. The reputation of Celtic Football Club is non negotiable.”A spokesperson from the Scottish Police confirmed no injuries were reported from the incident, adding “enquiries are ongoing”.Martin O’Neill’s side, who won the domestic double last season, currently sit top of the table, two points clear of Rangers.However, Celtic lost their last three fixtures before the international break – two defeats to Rangers, and a 3-1 home defeat to Ferencvaros in their opening Europa League clash.