Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has criticized an incident where individuals wearing balaclavas confronted club executives and supporters outside a meeting. The meeting, held at the Greenock Celtic Supporters' Club on Monday evening, was intended to allow approximately 120 fans to discuss the club's direction with chief executive Michael Nicholson, finance director Chris McKay, and interim chairman Brian Wilson.
O'Neill, who attended the meeting, described the discussion as "robust" and "orderly" but was dismayed by the pre-meeting demonstration. The protesters, believed to be ultras, reportedly hid their faces and congregated outside the venue. While they were not permitted access to the meeting room itself, their presence underscored ongoing unrest surrounding the club, particularly with an upcoming Europa League match against Besiktas.
This event follows a previous incident where Dermot Desmond, the club's largest shareholder, had tennis balls thrown at him by protesters during a golf championship.
"There was a bit of a debacle beforehand," O'Neill stated. "But the meeting itself was, I think you could use the word robust, yes, firm, but very orderly questioning."
He expressed his disappointment at seeing fans disguised in balaclavas. "Would I have ever, in any day, ever thought that Celtic fans would be clothed in balaclavas before a meeting? Even if they were disapproving of what was happening, I think that’s really disappointing. I do find it hard to get my head round that kind of stuff."
The meeting occurred amid speculation that the club's annual general meeting might be held remotely. Last year's AGM was cut short due to disruptions. However, the upcoming meeting is expected to proceed as scheduled at Celtic Park, with O'Neill anticipating his attendance.
Regarding his own future, O'Neill addressed speculation that he would be leaving the club in the summer, despite having a one-year option remaining on his contract. "I can’t imagine anybody asking me back. Seriously, I can’t imagine that happening," he commented, though he stopped short of a definitive statement, adding, "Listen, I didn’t come in here today to give a final word at this minute."