# Celtic fans protest club owner at golf event

> Celtic fans throw tennis balls at club owner Dermot Desmond during St Andrews golf tournament.
- Title: Celtic fans protest club owner at golf event · the Guardian
- Summary: Celtic fans throw tennis balls at club owner Dermot Desmond during St Andrews golf tournament. Celtic fans staged a protest by throwing tennis balls with…
- Keywords: celtic fans, dermot desmond, st andrews, alfred dunhill links, celtic football club, golf tournament, protest, sports, Celtic, fans, club, owner
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/03/celtic-fans-throw-tennis-balls-at-club-owner-dermot-desmond-during-golf-tournament
- Published: 2026-10-03T22:24:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: celtic fans, dermot desmond, st andrews, alfred dunhill links, celtic football club, golf tournament, protest, sports
## Celtic fans protest club owner
Celtic fans threw tennis balls with pictures of Desmond's face crossed out during his visit to the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament at St Andrews.

> Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability
## Desmond escorted off course
Desmond was taken off the golf course by security after fans staged a protest at the 15th hole.
## Celtic fans collective statement
The Celtic Fans Collective called for change at the top of the club after fans sent a message that Desmond's leadership cannot continue.

> Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue
## Celtic club statement
Celtic said the protest 'brought shame upon the club' and would not be intimidated by organized disruption.

> Celtic Football Club has never sought to prevent supporters from expressing criticism of the club, its board or its shareholders
## Celtic's current position
Celtic currently sit top of the table in the Premiership, two points clear of rivals Rangers.
## Key takeaway

Celtic fans staged a protest by throwing tennis balls with Desmond's face crossed out at St Andrews, claiming his leadership brings shame to the club.