Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has quit his his role at the club citing ‘intolerable abuse and threats’ aimed at him and his family.
Lawwell, who has spent 18 years in the Celtic boardroom, made his return to the club three years ago.
However, his most recent stint has proved to be a tumultuous one with disgruntled fans calling for him to resign over the club’s transfer activity and the recent departure of former boss Brendan Rodgers.
It’s been a nightmare season so far for the Hoops with Celtic six points off the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Meanwhile, their spot in the Europa League hangs by a thread having lost three of their six league phase matches with two more to play, and they suffered a shock Scottish League Cup final defeat to St Mirren last weekend.
Celtic fans hold up flags against Michael Nicholson, Dermott Desmond and Peter Lawwell. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic informed the stock exchange of Lawwell’s decision which read: “Celtic today announced that non-executive chairman Peter Lawwell has decided to step down from the Board of Celtic plc with effect from 31 December 2025.
“Celtic non-executive director Brian Wilson will take up the role of interim Chairman from that point, until a permanent appointment is made.”
Lawwell then released a statement of his own saying: “It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as chairman of Celtic FC.
Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic, looks on from the stand. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman at the club have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.
“They have dismayed and alarmed my family.
“At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.
“The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others.
“I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.
“My time at the club has brought joy to someone whose memories as a Celtic fan include standing as a schoolboy on the terraces as the European Cup was paraded at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967.
“I have subsequently watched some great European nights at Paradise and am proud that the club has played group stage football in all but two of the last 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.
“I also take great pleasure in the continuing and ever more substantial impact of Celtic FC Foundation.
“Our achievements were all made possible by a dedicated workforce and a fervent support binding together. I am deeply proud and privileged to have been part of that.
“My life at the club has included dramatic ups and downs in football but they have also given me the experience, drive and desire which I will take on to my next project, whatever and wherever that may be.
“My thanks go to my many colleagues over the years who have supported me, and I am grateful to the coaches and players who delivered this era of remarkable and historic success.”
