Peter Lawwell will step down as Celtic chairman at the end of December after saying he has faced abuse and threats that he can no longer tolerate.
Celtic’s board has come under heavy criticism from fans this season following a poor summer transfer window, an early Champions League exit and the team falling behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. The club has also struggled under new manager Wilfried Nancy, who has lost his first three matches since replacing Brendan Rodgers.
Lawwell said the abuse has increased and has upset and worried his family, adding that he no longer wants to deal with it at this stage of his life. He described leaving the club he has supported all his life as a sad decision.
Non-executive director Brian Wilson will take over as interim chairman from 31 December until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Lawwell spent 18 years as Celtic chief executive before becoming chairman three years ago. He said he looks back on his time at the club with pride, highlighting years of domestic success and regular European football.
Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond thanked Lawwell for his long service, noting that he oversaw 38 league and cup trophies as well as major improvements to club facilities. Chief executive Michael Nicholson also condemned the abuse directed at Lawwell and his family, calling it completely unacceptable.
