Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has announced his decision to resign from the club’s board, saying the 66-year-old has been subjected to “abuse and intimidation”. Rowell was Celtic’s chief executive for 18 years, from 2003 to 2021, before leaving Parkhead. He then returned to become chairman of the Scottish Premiership club in early 2023.
Celtic have been having a tough season on and off the pitch, with Brendan Rodgers stepping down as manager of the club at the end of October. After Rodgers left, Celtic’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond cited a “toxic atmosphere around the club”, and Martin O’Neill was eventually appointed as interim manager. The Northern Irishman was replaced by manager Wilfried Nancy in early December, but the current manager was already under huge pressure after losing his opening three games. This season, following a disastrous defeat in the summer transfer window, there have been protests by fans targeting the board of directors.
“It is with great regret that I announce my decision to step down as chairman of Celtic FC,” Rowell said in a statement on Wednesday.
“While I believe that my 18 years as chief executive of the club and three years as president have demonstrated my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, the abuse and intimidation from some sources has increased and is now intolerable.
“They have left my family disappointed and worried. At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I can’t accept this, so I left the club I’ve loved all my life.”
“The motives and objectives of these detractors can be investigated by others. I look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.”
Rowell added: “My time at the club has brought joy to those who are remembered as Celtic fans for standing on the terrace as a schoolboy during the European Cup parade at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967.”
“I have since watched some great European nights in Paradise and I am proud that this club has played group stage football in all but two of the last 21 years, while also enjoying domestic dominance.
“I am also very pleased with the continuing and ever greater impact of the Celtic FC Foundation. The Club’s Foundation impacts the lives of so many people in the Celtic family and beyond. We are more than just a football club and the Foundation is the clearest evidence of this truth.”
“All of our accomplishments have been made possible by our dedicated employees and passionate support, and I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of it.
“My life at the club has had some dramatic ups and downs in football, but it has also given me the experience, drive and drive to take on the next project, wherever it may be.
“I would like to thank the many colleagues who have supported me over the years, and I would also like to thank the coaches and players who have helped bring about this period of great and historic success.”
