Open Meeting 5 December – Summary

Open Meeting of Celtic Supporters Saturday 5^th December 2020

Facilitated by the Celtic Trust

A meeting was held today (online) which was attended by over three hundred supporters.  The events of this season, and particularly the past month, were discussed for over two hours and the following is a summary of the main conclusions:

• • Supporters are extremely unhappy not just about the performance of the team but about the approach of the PLC Board in addressing the matter
  • In particular, there is anger about the standard of communication of the Board and particular recent statements and actions
  • The failure of the Chief Executive or the Chairman to engage with fan organisations or the wider supporter body was condemned. It was noted that:
    • The use of planted stories with friendly journalists is not an adequate substitute for open and constructive dialogue with those who continue to sustain this Club financially despite being prevented from attending games.
    • Having said nothing as the problems on the pitch mounted and then publicly criticising and insulting supporters is unacceptable and divisive
  • The failure of the Board to take responsibility for the denial of any effective route to convey their views other than public protest was also condemned. The erection of barriers around Celtic Park is seen as an open insult to supporters and an escalation of the division and disconnect between the PLC Board and the supporters

Those in attendance at the meeting call on the PLC Board to:

• Immediately remove the barriers around Celtic Park and communicate to supporter’s careful guidance on holding a peaceful and Covid-compliant protest should they so wish
  In the week commencing 7/12/2020, meet with representatives of the Celtic Trust who have been tasked with conveying the detailed action points of the meeting and fully considering and responding to same.
• Take immediate steps to begin to repair the damage caused by their own inaction by publicly and directly reassuring the support that they are committed to a successful outcome of this important season and to do this by outlining the actions they intend to take, using the Club’s own online and social media channels.