Those responsible for today’s events certainly do not speak for the many thousands of Celtic supporters who express their views passionately, peacefully and responsibly,
Celtic stated. The 76-year-old billionaire was taking part in the pro-am golf tournament when the demonstration took place, drawing swift condemnation from the Scottish Premiership club over what officials termed a premeditated action.
Tennis Ball Protest Disrupts St Andrews Pro-Am
The demonstration at the Old Course targeted Desmond amid mounting fan dissatisfaction regarding the team’s performance and transfer business. The tennis balls were thrown onto the putting surface of the 15th hole before security intervened and removed Desmond from the course. The protest was organized and filmed by the Celtic Fans Collective, an affiliation of supporters’ groups that subsequently posted footage and photographs of the disruption on social media.
Celtic Condemns Premeditated Action and Withdraws Recognition
Celtic issued a strongly-worded statement on Saturday evening condemning the demonstration as a significant escalation that brought shame upon the club’s century-old reputation. The club stated that while supporters are entitled to express peaceful criticism, the St Andrews action crossed the line into deliberate disruption. Consequently, Celtic announced it would no longer recognize the Celtic Fans Collective as a representative body or engage with them further, adding that anyone established to be involved in planning or participating faces an indefinite ban from Celtic Park.
A statement on the official club website condemns in the strongest terms
the incident, noting it was discussed and planned in advance
. Club officials said they are aware the event was coordinated at a Celtic Fans Collective committee meeting, where minutes show a proposal to use banners and tennis balls, coordination with attendees, and an agreement to use Collective funds for materials. Celtic added that the club would not be intimidated or coerced by organised acts of disruption
, stating there is a line between protest and deliberate disruption. Today, that line was crossed.
Supporters Collective Defends Action Over Accountability
The Celtic Fans Collective defended the demonstration in a published statement, asserting that Desmond has avoided accountability while running the club from a distance. Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability,
the Collective stated. The group argued that fans utilized the high-profile golf tournament to send a direct message that the current administrative arrangement cannot continue.
Police Enquiries Continue Amid Sporting Context
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident at St Andrews and that enquiries remain ongoing. The protest unfolded while Martin O’Neill’s squad sits atop the Scottish Premiership table with a two-point lead over Rangers, despite entering the international break following three consecutive defeats—including two losses to Rangers and a 3-1 home defeat to Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
Desmond’s Relationship with the Club and Golf
Desmond has faced criticism for a lack of progress on the pitch. Following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers at the start of last season, Desmond attributed many of the problems at the start of the 2025-26 campaign to the former manager. At an annual general meeting last November that ended in abandonment due to fan unrest, Desmond’s son Ross delivered a statement on his behalf, calling his father a lifelong and passionate
supporter and stating the board would not be bullied by aggressive and irrational
criticism. He also described people involved in a recent incident that led to a ban for the Green Brigade ultras as bullies
.
Outside of football, Desmond is known for his ties to golf, having played with Rory McIlroy at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Irish Open pro-am. He has also socialized in Ireland with JP McManus and Tiger Woods, who mentioned fishing and hitting balls with them. Desmond frequently spends time with Ryder Cup figures including Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, and Paul McGinlay.
Celtic fans collective organizes protest and faces indefinite bans
Who organized the protest at St Andrews?
The Celtic Fans Collective organized the demonstration, releasing video footage and photographs of the tennis balls being thrown onto the 15th green.
What action is Celtic taking against those involved?
Celtic announced it will indefinitely ban anyone established to be involved in planning or participating in the protest and will cease all engagement with the Celtic Fans Collective.
How did Dermot Desmond exit the golf course?
Security personnel escorted Desmond off the 15th green and drove him away from the Old Course following the disruption during the pro-am event.
Where did the demonstration take place?
The protest occurred on the green of the 15th hole at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship held at St Andrews on Saturday.
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