Celtic fans throw tennis balls at Dermot Desmond during Alfred Dunhill Links pro‑am

Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond had tennis balls thrown at him by supporters on the green of the 15th hole at St Andrews during the Alfred Dunhill Links pro‑am on Saturday, and was escorted off the course by security.

The 76‑year‑old has faced criticism from supporters over what they see as a lack of progress on the pitch. The disruption occurred during the pro‑am round when tennis balls bearing images of Desmond’s face, with the faces crossed out, were thrown onto the green. Security personnel removed Desmond from the course after the incident.

The Celtic Fans Collective posted video and photographs of the protest on X and issued a statement calling for changes in the club’s leadership. The statement said: “Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability.” It added: “Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue.”

Martin O’Neill’s side are the reigning domestic double winners, having claimed the Premiership title ahead of Hearts after a final‑day decider last season. That achievement was referenced alongside current supporter unrest in coverage of the protest.

Celtic’s recent results have been mixed: they lost their last three matches before the international break, including two defeats to Rangers — one of those at Parkhead — and they were beaten 3-1 at home by Ferencvaros in their opening Europa League fixture.

The club sit top of the Premiership table, two points clear of rivals Rangers.