The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to the Desmond family.
Dermot Desmond doesn’t bother to attend Celtic’s AGMs; that was proven on Friday when his son, Ross, produced a calamitous performance on another chaotic day in Glasgow.
The ill-fated speech from the billionaire’s son fits nicely alongside Celtic’s woeful display against Kairat Almaty in the summer, which ended their Champions League hopes and pushed the relationship between fans and the board beyond breaking point.
Peter Lawwell cancelled Celtic’s much-anticipated AGM before it even started, after board members took offence to supporters voicing their anger at the nonsense being spouted from their end.
Take your pick as to who wears the clown makeup, but one man who has certainly made himself a bigger fool is Ross Desmond.
Celtic statement on AGM postponement
Celtic fans tear into Ross Desmond after the club’s AGM was cancelled
One thing is for sure, Celtic supporters don’t miss, and that was the case from those reacting on social media to Desmond Junior’s comments.
It’s the hate and venom with which he spoke that is alarming, and another example that serious changes need to be made.
Celtic travel to St Mirren on Saturday evening, as Martin O’Neill will try to restore some positivity to the club.
You can bet your bottom dollar, those fans travelling to Paisley will make their feelings clear from the stands, and it will only continue no matter who is in the dugout.
@databhoys was left shocked by Desmond’s words: ‘That statement from Ross Desmond was actually wild. Never seen such a blatant disdain for supporters and shareholders outright like that, genuine venom in his voice as he delivered it.’
@20MinuteTims explains what’s a ‘mystery’: ‘Why Ross Desmond felt the need to be utterly condescending to the paying customers and shareholders is a total mystery. It’s hard, from the tone taken, to conclude anything other than the people who run the club have nothing but disdain for the support.’
@90MinuteCynic called it like it is: ‘Ross Desmond made the most inflammatory, disgraceful speech. Openly goading the support. The shareholders responded. The meeting is closed.’
@onekinghenrik joked about Ross: ‘Is it a bank statement?’
Very good point from @biglhist about Ross filling in for his dad: ‘Which in itself is making a statement, but as per the wrong one.’
@pmcc1313 wants a ‘mass boycott’: ‘Time for an en masse boycott…no half measures. a club not fit for purpose.’
@Kieran_Celtic summed it up: ‘Celtic have been anti-establishment since its very formation. That statement alone proves Ross Desmond doesn’t have a clue and should never have been allowed to take a seat at the AGM, never mind insult the supporters who put more money into the club than he ever has.’
@eddie_toner made his feelings clear towards Desmond: ‘Anti-establishment is a badge I wear proudly. The idea that Ross Desmond sees it as criticism says more about him than me.’
One of the most baffling comments from Desmond, as @Jota_on_thewing touched upon: ‘So Ross Desmond said “our record in Europe since 2003 is excellent” Tell me how many European games we have won after January since UEFA Cup Final and how many times have we failed to get into the Champions League through the qualifiers?’
Brilliantly described, as @Kieran_Celtic stated: ‘That Ross Desmond statement is unhinged.’
@JohnWight1 summed it up: ‘The role of the Desmonds, father and son, within the Celtic hierarchy must now end. Never in all my time have I seen such discord at the club. Ross Desmond’s statement at today’s AGM was tantamount to a declaration of war against the fans. There are no bad or good Celtic supporters. All are part of the same family. Enough is now surely enough. #CelticFC.’
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