Request for review of Celtic Park security operations vetoed by Board

While this seems a perfectly fair and reasonable request, if supporters have legitimate concerns on this hugely important matter, the resolution (17) at AGM on Tuesday 1st December will be rejected as the Board are advising shareholders to vote it down. The block vote of Dermot Desmond and his cohorts will ensure that the matter will go no further than any brief discussion that is allowed.

Here’s the Celtic Board’s advice to shareholders ahead of the AGM as they advise shareholders to vote against the resolution.

‘The Board takes the safety, security and wellbeing of supporters very seriously and welcomes the opportunity to set out its position clearly. The safety and security of every person who attends CelticPark, and who travels to follow Celtic away from home, is the Company’s highest operational priority.

‘The Company works with other stakeholders as well as external consultants on a regular basis to review and continually improve its safety and security arrangements. The Company’s Safety and Security team is effectively led, very strong and vastly experienced, and the Board does not accept the characterisation of the department in the statement provided in support of the shareholders’ requisition.

‘It should be noted that there have been instances of unacceptable conduct within Celtic Park that the Club is required to address. The Board wishes to reiterate that the measures introduced in and around the rail seating section were implemented following assessments of crowd flow and safety risk, in accordance with the Company’s obligations under its safety certificate, in line with its commitment to supporter safety and in dialogue with the appropriate authorities.

‘While some supporters may be frustrated by the introduction of these measures, the Board notes that they are both necessary and proportionate for ensuring supporter safety.

‘The Board is also aware of the concerns that supporters have raised relating to incidents and crowd management at away fixtures. The Company does not control, and cannot direct, the safety and security at third-party stadiums but is always keen to advocate for supporters when issues are raised.

‘Where Celtic supporters have raised concerns about their experience at away fixtures, the Company has taken on this feedback through its Supporter Liaison Officer (“SLO”) and, where appropriate, has raised supporter concerns with the appropriate parties. The Board will ensure that the Company and its SLO function continues to listen to feedback from supporters in respect of their experience at away fixtures and robustly advocate for supporters where change is necessary.’

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