Peter Lawwell’s Celtic departure came out of the blue, but it wasn’t exactly a surprise.
It has been a season of unrest among Celtic fans, with a wave of protests making it absolutely clear that faith in the club’s board has been lost.
On Wednesday, just hours before Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice, Lawwell announced his decision to step down due to ‘intolerable’ abuse.
It ends a multi-decade association with the club for Lawwell, who became part of the furniture at Celtic Park during his spell as CEO.
And after the club’s statement didn’t give further details on Lawwell’s departure, Jim White has shared his understanding.
Who should Celtic appoint as their new chairman?
Jim White reveals more details on Peter Lawwell’s Celtic departure
Lawwell was the face of the Celtic board for many years, before resigning from his position as CEO in 2021.
He moved into the position of Non-Executive Chairman, where he has operated since.
READ MORE: Celtic’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha could be booted out of World Cup as formal complaint lodged
On the White and Jordan show on TalkSPORT, White said that he has known Lawwell for ‘a long time’, and shared more details of his departure.
He said: “Lawwell is Celtic through and through. He joined the club in 2003, and served in that role for 18 years.
“He returned to the club in 2023 as non-executive director, overseeing board affairs. Now, he has said with sadness, ‘I announce my decision to stand down as chairman’.
“It’s all very sad, Simon. It’s my understanding that the abuse he’s talking about drive-by and intimidation.
“It had come to his front door, and I believe that more recently, it has led to him having to employ overnight security at his house.
“But after Celtic, I understand that Peter Lawwell is keen to seek other opportunities in football. This is a desperately sad situation.”
It’s inarguable that threats at Lawwell’s front door are not an appropriate form of protest, and should be condemned.
In terms of his future, Lawwell’s long-term ties to UEFA may see him take a role there.
How will you remember Peter Lawwell’s time at Celtic?
Celtic fan protests in 2025
Personal abuse and threats get in the way of the actual, substantial protests which are being carried by many Celtic fans.
Celtic’s chaotic AGM showed just how much discontent there was – this was to be Lawwell’s final public address at the club.
The Not Another Penny campaign, one of many forms of protest organised by the Celtic Fans Collective, who have also staged in-stadium protests.
With the Green Brigade banned from matches indefinitely, it feels like a long way back for any kind of unity at Celtic.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
