Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has revealed he will resign from the club’s board due to “abuse and threats”.

The 66-year-old joined Celtic as chief executive in 2003 and held the position for 18 years before returning to Celtic in 2023 as non-executive chairman.

However, in recent months he and other members of the club’s board have faced protests from supporters who criticized their transfer activity and long-term football strategy.

Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.

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During the tumultuous period off the pitch, former manager Brendan Rodgers also publicly questioned the transfer process. People who resigned in October.

An open letter supported by hundreds of signatories (representing tens of thousands of fans) was also sent to the board, plus The club’s November AGM was abandoned after only 25 minutes Shareholders “fire the board” question.

Fans also displayed protest banners during games and were often heard shouting slogans at signboards and even throwing objects onto the pitch to disrupt games.

Lawwell, who oversaw 38 trophies during his time in Glasgow, said the abuse and threats were now “intolerable”.

Meanwhile, chief executive Michael Nicholson said it was “a sad day for Celtic” and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond added that he was “very sorry to lose Peter” but understood his decision.

Lawwell releases full statement as he steps down ‘sadly’

Lawwell said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation as chairman of Celtic Football Club.

“I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as president have shown my ability to deal with and overcome challenges on many fronts, but the abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.

“They left my family devastated and shocked. I didn’t need this at this stage of my life. I couldn’t accept this so I left the club I had loved my whole life.

“The motivations and purposes of these critics 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 Celtic fans and their memories of being a Celtic fan include that magical night in 1967 when I was a schoolboy in the stands when the European Cup was played at Celtic Park.

“I then watched some great European nights at the Paradise Stadium and I am proud that the club has played in the group stages in all but two of the past 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.

“I’m also delighted to see the Celtic Football Club Foundation continue to have a more substantial impact. The club’s foundation impacts so many people within the Celtic family and further afield. We are more than just a football club and this foundation is the clearest evidence of that fact.

“Our achievements are made possible by dedicated employees and passionate support. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of it.

“My life at the club has seen dramatic ups and downs on the football field, but they have also given me experience, drive and desire that I will take with me to my next project, whatever it is and wherever it may be.

“I would like to thank the many colleagues who have supported me over the years, as well as the coaches and players who have brought extraordinary and historic success to this era.”

“A sad day for Celtic”

Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond added: “I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our chairman, but given recent events and everything he has been through, I understand and respect his decision.

“I would like to pay tribute to Peter for everything he has done for Celtic over the years. As chief executive, Peter was the driving force behind the club and later as chairman he oversaw the board.

“Peter oversaw 38 cup or championship wins during his time at the club, which was a remarkable period of domestic dominance for us as we also competed in European football.

“Peter also oversaw the construction of our training center at Lennoxtown, the construction of new facilities at Barrowfield and the upgrade of Celtic Park, all underpinned by the financial stability that has become a cornerstone of the club under his leadership. Celtic are well placed to withstand any impact that may be thrown at us in the future.”

Michael Nicholson, the club’s chief executive, who has also faced protests this season, said: “This is a sad day for Celtic. The abuse and threats directed at Peter and the impact on his family are completely unacceptable. This type of behavior will never be tolerated by the club.”

“A lifelong supporter with Celtic in his blood, Peter gave his all for the club, worked tirelessly and stood up for the club with determination, passion and strength. Every decision he made was in the best interests of the club and our supporters.”