Lawwell drops bombshell parting dig at one thing he “cannot accept” about Celtic
da 888： Celtic non-executive chairman Peter Lawwell is to step down from the board on December 31 after receiving “intolerable” levels of “abuse and threats”.
Lawwell "cannot accept" upset to his family
da esoccer bet： Current non-executive director Brian Wilson is taking over as interim chairman until a permanent replacement is found.
The decision comes amid fan protests at Celtic’s poor performances this season, as well as their disappointing transfer business in the summer.
“It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as chairman,” Lawwell said before he pinned the blame on fan abuse to the degree of upsetting his family.
“I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.
“They have dismayed and alarmed my family. At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.”
Dermot Desmond also shared a short statement, hailing Lawwell as a driving force behind the 38 cup or title triumphs won during his time at the club: “I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our Chairman, but I understand and respect his decision, in light of recent events and what he has endured.”
Dundee United captain warns of Celtic threat
Dundee United captain Ross Graham has downplayed Celtic’s form ahead of the clash at at Tannadice on Wednesday.
“I’m not sure there is ever a good time to get Celtic. They are a top team with really high-quality players so we need to be switched on,” he said.
“Look, they are not going to be on this run forever so we can try and make sure it doesn’t change for them.
“Celtic are always a top side no matter what form they are in. Obviously they are on a bad run just now, and probably so ourselves, so it could be a good game on Wednesday night.”
United have not won in seven games but kept their first clean sheet since September 23 when they held Motherwell on Saturday.
Graham has played three of the last four games after missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury and is looking to get United up the William Hill Premiership table.
The 24-year-old defender did however suggest the Hoops will not have it all their own way as Wilfried Nancy seeks his first win in Scotland: “We will focus on ourselves because we know how much we can hurt them.”
Nancy's first signing: Celtic now working on deal for "prolific" goalscorer
He could turn things around for Nancy.
ByTom Cunningham
