Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has expressed disappointment after a group of balaclava-wearing individuals gathered outside a meeting between club officials and supporters in Greenock.
The meeting, held on Monday evening at Greenock Celtic Supporters’ Club, brought together approximately 120 fans who were given the opportunity to question the club’s leadership about its direction.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson, finance director Chris McKay and interim chairman Brian Wilson attended the gathering.
O’Neill also joined the meeting after becoming aware that it had been arranged.
Although the manager described the discussions inside as constructive and orderly, he was unhappy with the behaviour of individuals who gathered outside and reportedly subjected the club executives to abuse.
The group, believed to include members of the club’s ultras, wore balaclavas and were not allowed into the meeting room.
O’Neill Describes Incident as Disappointing
Speaking about the gathering, O’Neill revealed that the confrontation outside had overshadowed what he considered a worthwhile discussion with supporters.
He said the questioning had been firm but orderly, with club representatives attempting to address concerns, although he acknowledged that some of the responses might not satisfy everyone.
“There was a bit of a debacle beforehand,” O’Neill said.
“But the meeting itself was, I think you could use the word robust, yes, firm, but very orderly questioning.”
The Northern Irishman said he found it particularly difficult to understand why some supporters had covered their faces while protesting outside the venue.
He added: “There was no shouting. It wasn’t like last year’s AGM.
The shouting had taken place before the meeting, you know?
“I mean, you are aware that people with balaclavas came up to the thing? To me, I think that was the saddest thing.
“Would I have ever, in any day, ever thought that Celtic fans would be clothed in balaclavas before a meeting? Even if they were disapproving of what was happening, I think that’s really disappointing.
“I do find it hard to get my head round that kind of stuff.”
Celtic Faces Continued Supporter Unrest
The incident comes amid growing tensions between Celtic supporters and the club’s hierarchy, with further demonstrations reportedly being considered ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture against Besiktas at Celtic Park.
The latest confrontation also follows an incident involving Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s largest shareholder, who had tennis balls thrown at him by protesters while participating in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews several weeks ago.
The club has faced mounting criticism from sections of its support over its leadership and overall direction.
Manager Expects Annual General Meeting to Go Ahead
Questions have also emerged over the arrangements for Celtic’s forthcoming annual general meeting, amid speculation that the event could be conducted remotely.
Last year’s AGM was brought to an early end by then-chairman Peter Lawwell after supporters disrupted proceedings by shouting and displaying red cards.
However, the upcoming meeting is expected to take place in a suite at Celtic Park in early December.
O’Neill indicated that he would attend in his capacity as manager and would be willing to respond to questions from shareholders and supporters.
He said: “That’s early December, isn’t it? So, I would expect to be at it as a manager.
I assume that Brendan (Rodgers) was (present previously), so you’d be at it.
“If given an opportunity to answer some of the things and if they want to hear from the manager, I would have no problem.”
The manager also expressed hope that the event would maintain the atmosphere of Monday’s meeting rather than descend into the disorder witnessed at the previous AGM.
O’Neill Addresses Speculation About His Future
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over O’Neill’s long-term position at Celtic, following speculation that he told supporters during Monday’s meeting that he would leave the club next summer.
The manager reportedly has a one-year extension option available, but questions surrounding his future have continued.
Although he did not confirm his departure when asked about the reports on Wednesday, O’Neill suggested he was not expecting to be invited to remain beyond his current arrangement.
“I can’t imagine anybody asking me back. Seriously, I can’t imagine that happening,” he said.
He also made clear that he was not prepared to make a definitive announcement about his future at that moment.
“Listen, I didn’t come in here today to give a final word at this minute,” O’Neill added.
