Tensions boiled over for Celtic supporters on Sunday as fans took their grievances directly onto the pitch during their away match at Dundee.
Frustrated with the club’s board, they hurled tennis balls, oranges, and other small objects onto the turf, briefly halting the game.
The protest came amid mounting dissatisfaction over the summer transfer window and Celtic’s failure to reach the Champions League group stage, prompting fans to make their voices heard in dramatic fashion.
Kick-Off Delayed Amid Flying Objects
Just after the whistle, dozens of projectiles rained into the penalty area, forcing players from both sides to pause and clear the field.
The disruption lasted roughly three minutes, with Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel attempting to calm the crowd, while teammates Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers pitched in to help tidy the pitch.
Sky Sports commentator James McFadden noted the significance of the protest, saying, “Point made.
The players just want to get on with the game, but the fans clearly want their message delivered.”
Fans Target Club Executives
Several banners displayed sharp criticism of the club’s top brass. One read, “Your incompetence is clear.
Resign,” while another simply demanded, “Sack the board.”
Faces of chairman Peter Lawwell, CEO Michael Nicholson, major shareholder Dermot Desmond, and CFO Chris McKay were crossed out on a separate sign, creating an awkward moment for Nicholson and McKay, both of whom were in attendance.
Organized Backlash From Supporters
The incident follows a series of organized fan protests, including the Celtic Fans Collective’s “Not Another Penny” campaign, which urged supporters to boycott purchases at Parkhead.
The group accused the board of mishandling nearly every aspect of the club, from European failures and underfunded squads to overpriced tickets and poor fan engagement.
The statement outlined a litany of grievances, including underfunded women’s teams, neglected stadium conditions, and an academy failing to deliver results.
“These are just some of the failures which expose an out-of-touch board and make a mockery of their claim to be ‘world class in everything we do,’” the collective wrote.
Manager Responds to Fan Frustration
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has previously acknowledged supporters’ frustration, emphasizing the emotional connection fans have to the club.
Speaking after a separate protest in September, Rodgers said, “You can’t tell anyone how to feel.
If you’re bringing your kids and you want them to be in the stands for the start of the game, then supporters are within their rights. I fully understand the frustration.”
Sunday’s pitchside protest signals that fan discontent shows no signs of easing, with vocal supporters determined to hold the club’s leadership accountable.